Information: The Center for Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia (CREECA) is a U. S. Department of Education Title VI National Resource Center. It was established in 1993 to unite the efforts of two longstanding University programs--Russian and East European Studies, and Central Asian Studies. CREECA consists of over 100 members who are nationally and internationally recognized experts in their fields.

On behalf of the Center for Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia (CREECA) at the University of Wisconsin, I am writing in strong support of the upcoming bicycle trip from Switzerland to Kiev. This team is working in a unique way to raise public awareness about the current issues surrounding the Chernobyl disaster.

Over the past several years CREECA has worked on several projects related to Chernobyl (in cooperation with Friends of Chernobyl Centers US--FOCCUS), including a teacher workshop (1999), a study tour to Chernobyl (2004), and a conference dedicated to the twentieth anniversary of the disaster (2006; more information at http://www.creeca.wisc.edu/chernobyl2006/). This new initiative by the team of cyclists will help to keep Chernobyl in the public eye and we commend their efforts and wish them the best of luck on their trip.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Ryan Tishler
Associate Director
Center for Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia (CREECA)
210 Ingraham Hall, 1155 Observatory Drive
Madison, WI 53706
tel. 608-262-3379
fax. 608-890-0267
http://www.wisc.edu/creeca

Information: This is a PERSONAL letter of support and this letter should not be construed as an official endorsement in any way or imply any affiliation to any group or body.

Christian and Emmanuelle:

I am writing to commend your decision to dedicate the proceeds from your upcoming cycling trek from Fribourg, Switzerland to Kiev, Ukraine to a deserving organization--Friends of the Chornobyl Centers U.S., Inc. (FOCCUS). Twenty years after the Chornobyl accident, its legacy continues to impact the lives of many in Ukraine, Belarus, and the Russian Federation. As a technical foreign affairs specialist with the U.S. government, I have worked extensively on Chornobyl related issues, including international efforts to mitigate the consequences of the accident. In this capacity, I have become familiar with the work that FOCCUS does on the ground in the affected regions and have come to respect and admire the generosity and dedication of FOCCUS members and supporters.

The displacement of hundreds of thousands of people following the accident resulted in massive social disruption and severe economic hardship. Lingering fear and uncertainty associated with Chornobyl related health effects continue to factor heavily into the daily lives of the people. A consensus has been reached among the United Nations agencies and the governments of Ukraine, Belarus, and the Russian Federation that a path forward for recovery is needed and such a path should emphasize mitigation of social and economic problems. It is worth noting that FOCCUS has been addressing these needs since its inception.

The FOCCUS mission, to support community centers in Chornobyl affected areas, promotes social and economic recovery at the grass roots level through education, training, and psycho-social support. Accordingly, your support for FOCCUS promises excellent returns from the each calorie you burn as you approach Kiev.

Best of luck in your journey.

Sincerely,

Andrew G. Sowder, Ph.D.

Information: Kelly H. Clifton is an Emeritus Professor of Human Oncology at the University of Wisconsin Medical School.

Dear Emmanuelle and Christian,

It is with awe and humility that I write to congratulate you for your physical strength and mental stamina and for your generous efforts on behalf of those whose lives were disrupted by the Chernobyl accident. I am sure your achievement will bring FOCCUS to greater public attention, and thereby will help them to continue and expand their work with those damaged by the disaster.

I am a radiation biologist who served for a few years as Chief of Research at the Radiation Effects Research Foundation in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. RERF is dedicated to life-span studies of the atomic bomb survivors and their children in the two cities. Hence I am aware of the dose-related illnesses that afflict those who were exposed to atomic radiations. Indeed, some RERF staff scientists and physicians have helped evaluations and continuing studies of the health effects among the Chernobyl-exposed populations.

You have joined a worthy cause. May you have great good fortune in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Kelly H. Clifton
Emeritus Professor of Human Oncology
University of Wisconsin Medical School
1218 University Bay Drive
Madison WI 53705-2253

Information:

Dear Christian and Emmanuelle:

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Management Team, staff and volunteers, we offer our heartfelt support of your bike trip. As an organization that works to improve the quality of life for Chernobyl survivors, we applaud your efforts and support your goal of raising awareness about the effects of the Chernobyl disaster. During this 20th anniversary year, it is more important that ever that we raise awareness and an understanding of the continued plight of the Chernobyl region. As you know, the region continues to suffer physically, emotionally and financially. Even now, twenty years later, the effects of radiation continue to contaminate the region and the health of its people. Due to the lack of modern medical care and little access to health care, the Chernobyl region needs help to ease the suffering of its inhabitants.

The Chernobyl Children Project USA, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization providing respite and relief to children whose health has been affected by the 1986 Chernobyl Nuclear Accident. The children, ranging in age from 8 to 13, have radiation-related illnesses and come to Boston to live with “host families” for a four-week period ~ where a month of clean food, water and air greatly increases their health. Since its inception in 1995, the Project has brought over 1,200 children to the Boston area, gained support from the New England Medical Center Floating Hospital for Children, and physicians who together with the project have offered the children a sense of hope to live.

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of 92 children on June 21, 2006. Like you, we are hoping to do all that we can to aid these special children and raise the world’s awareness of Chernobyl so that others will work with us to help those in need.

Thank you for your dedication and passion to the Chernobyl cause. We appreciate and support your selfless efforts. We send our best and wish you success, health and happiness for your journey.

Best regards,

Patty Doyle
President

Chernobyl Children Project USA, Inc.
75 McNeil Way, Suite 305, Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: (781) 251-0137, Fax: (781) 251-9175, Email: ccpusainc@aol.com
www.ccpusa.org

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Information: Irene Zabytko is the author of such works as When Luba Leaves Home (Algonquin Books, 2003), The Sky Unwashed (Algonquin Books, 2000) and has also given talks for FOCCUS inc.

Dear Christ and Emm,

What a fabulous idea! Not only will you be bringing awareness to the Chernobyl disaster and the devastating consequences that so many are still experiencing after 20 years since the reactor exploded, but you are also raising funding to support FOCCUS which is a great humanitarian organization. In the past, I've had the privilege of reading my novel about Chernobyl, THE SKY UNWASHED at FOCCUS's fundraisers in Madison, Wisconsin, and Bethesda, Maryland, and it is without a doubt one of the most responsive and outstanding organizations for helping Chernobyl survivors. Their presence has been invaluable for saving and upgrading the lives of those afflicted by the worst nuclear disaster on our planet.

I look forward following you along on your trip. All very best wishes for your important journey. Godspeed!

Irene Zabytko
329 Lake McCoy Drive
Apopka, FL 32712-3641
irenezabytko@yahoo.com