This episode features the inspiring story of Chris and Diana Twiggs, and their son Brendan Twiggs, who have relentlessly dedicated their time to relief work in Ukraine over the past few years, and perhaps more importantly built friendships of solidarity. Diana Twiggs, a practicing physician, started volunteering with International Medical Relief, providing essential medical care and support in urgent regions.

Through Diana’s initiative, Chris and Brendan have joined the cause. Chris, well known in the running community as the National Training Director for the Galloway Run-Walk-Run program, partners with Diana on trips to Ukraine, bringing medical supplies and supporting humanitarian efforts, and spreading the word. Their latest visit included both Lviv—a vital base for relief work close to the Polish border—and the capital Kyiv, where they participated in the Kyiv Marathon, standing in solidarity with Ukraine’s resilient spirit and thousands of fellow runners. They also brought medical relief supplies most recently to Traveling Colonels, a group of military veterans providing critical medical relief to the front lines where through dedicated people across the country.

Brendan Twiggs stands out for his ongoing commitment, joining us from the streets of Lviv as we hear the sounds of everyday life in his daily commute. Lviv Volunteer Kitchen—founded in 2014 when Russia invaded Crimea by caring individuals; serves as a place to connect relief workers to needs on the ground.

The Twiggs' reflections in this episode emphasize how showing up for others can bridge divides and demonstrate in person that Ukrainians are not forgotten. They also the harrowing actions that everyday Ukrainians are taking to support their neighbors and countrymen as they fight to regain peace while striving to live a meaningful life each day. What can you do?

***Get Involved, Advocate, Give or Learn More***

International Medical Relief: https://internationalmedicalrelief.org/

Medical supplies were also brought to Kyiv through Traveling Colonels: https://thetravelingcolonels.com/

Lviv Volunteer Kitchen Charity: Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lvivkitchen/ or through local Ukrainian relief networks.

Kyiv Marathon:

Event info at https://kyivmarathon.org/ and through charity run directories.

***Take Action: Contact Your Representatives***

Your voice matters. Get informed and then urge continued support for Ukraine by contacting your US representatives!

Find Your Elected Officials: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials

Direct link for Senate and House contacts.

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