The Municipal Non-Profit Enterprise "1st Territorial Medical Association of Lviv" is the largest medical institution in western Ukraine, providing emergency medical care. Our association comprises four hospitals, including a children's hospital and a maternity hospital. The St. Nicholas Hospital, a structural unit of the 1st Territorial Medical Association of Lviv, is a leading medical facility that provides highly qualified specialized care to children from across Ukraine. The hospital operates around the clock, saving the lives of children from birth to 18 years of age. 

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Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Lviv has welcomed thousands of families with prematurely born babies. The city has become a refuge for Ukrainians who lost their homes and sought safety and support. Families with premature babies find themselves in an especially vulnerable situation — in addition to premature birth itself, the displacement, loss of income, and sometimes even the loss of loved ones have significantly affected and, sadly, continue to affect the morale and emotional well-being of Ukrainian families, and mothers in particular. Beyond the medical challenges, parents often face a shortage of the most essential items needed to care for a baby born so much earlier than expected. In these circumstances, any additional support carries extraordinary importance and provides a much-needed sense of strength and reassurance.

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The project supporting families with prematurely born babies through care packages, together with our partners at the Early Birds organization, has become more than just practical assistance — it is a meaningful sign of care and humanity for families. Because gestures of attention and kindness matter so deeply in these times. The first tiny-sized clothing for newborns, essential items, and informational materials help parents feel that they are not alone in facing their challenges. For many families, this also serves as psychological support during an incredibly anxious and emotionally overwhelming time.

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The medical staff at our facility has repeatedly heard heartfelt words of gratitude from parents who received these care packages. What makes this support especially valuable is that it addresses the specific needs of prematurely born babies — tiny-sized clothing and diapers are not always easy to find in stores.

For some mothers, receiving a care package was the very first moment they felt supported and cared for after enduring prolonged stress and fear for their baby's life. Initiatives like these carry, above all, a deeply human value. There was one mother who was especially moved by the fact that other mothers of premature babies — the Early Birds community — care about those who are going through premature birth right now. She said it was truly touching.

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We express our heartfelt gratitude to the project team for their consistent support, compassion, and dedication to families with prematurely born babies and to the medical institutions serving them during this incredibly challenging time for our country.

Zoriana Ivaniuk, Deputy Director for Development and Investment Attraction at St. Nicholas Hospital