During the past two weeks while the information about Vlad's current situation was being spread among many hams worldwide (thanks to all who helped) using the MM0NDX news page, 425 DX News, www.qrz.ru and several local forums and reflectors (especially in Italy and some local contest reflectors in USA), we got a lot of feedback and support for the project (the list already includes 260 radio amateurs / clubs / individuals).
Thus already today we can say:
The needed care for Vlad is now assured for the next 2 years and he'll keep being on the air!
Many thanks to all who contributed that quickly to achieve this goal and showed that ham spirit is alive!
Some information from Vlad, 4K9W:
First of all, he wants to thank all those who supported him in this really difficult situation.
The woman who took over the care for him after the death of his mother already did a lot of work for him in past weeks which his mother was not able to do anymore because of her age.
Judging from Vlad's information, I'm sure he's very satisfied how the situation developed, knowing that care is assured for the next 2 years at least and he hopes that this woman will continue to take care of him for a long time.
All necessary steps for the monthly money transfer are now set. The support received until now will be stored for him here in Germany, to make sure it will be solely used for the caretaking purpose, especially in the case where the woman decides to quit. The payment will be sent directly to the woman on a monthly basis by the end of each month.
So, if at some point, we need to find another caretaker, we don't lose any of the received support.
Currently, it is not necessary to arrange for regular support from a group of people although I'm sure that will be the best way to assure continuous help in the future, when the support received until now is used up.
So, what I would like to suggest is, that if You want to support on a regular basis or with a larger amount, to contact me beforehand so we can check the current situation and find the best way. I would prefer to come back to such support at a later time (if possible; we know, everything can change) to make better use of such support for both sides.
If You want to support with smaller donations just keep in mind that this will be no problem, of course.
For any further question, please contact me directly.
Many thanks again to all HAMs and clubs who joined in that quickly and showed a great support for Vlad, 4K9W.
Please consider to check back as the situation may change again in 1-2 years time.
Axel Schernikau, DL6KVA
17th December 2008
Axel.Schernikau@siv.de or dl6kva@darc.de
