Maria Rezhylo
Director / Co-Chairman
She is a proud Ukrainian and a passionate advocate for mental health awareness who founded Pidtrimka to support her country after the 2022 Russian invasion. Maria had experienced firsthand the effects of war on mental health--as a teenager, she was displaced from Donetsk when the war broke out in 2014, after which her family made Kyiv their new home. As a professional swimmer representing Ukraine internationally, she learned the importance of advocacy and preventative care for mental health conditions. When the 2022 Russian invasion began, Maria attended school in the United States, while her family remained in Kyiv. Maria felt called to find ways to support her home from afar, and began raising awareness and funds to send support to forces defending Ukraine. As the war continued, she realized that while medical and protective supplies were desperately needed, the mental well-being of the citizens of Ukraine also needed support.
Tom Nguyen
Director / Co-Chairman
Tom was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine. He spent all of his childhood in Kyiv before he moved to the US, and for this reason, Tom could not stand idly by and not do anything while he saw the destruction of not only his home but the homes of millions of people around Ukraine. Tom wants to do anything and everything he can from overseas because Kyiv is and will always be his home. On February 24th, the world changed. On this day, the war changed everyone and everything. His family, friends, and many Ukrainians who lived and built plans for the future were forced to flee or hide in basements because of the Russian invasion. This project has a deep meaning for him because it supports Ukrainians fighting for a brighter and better future.
Glory to Ukraine!
Danila Novikov
Director / Co-Chairman
NCAA All-American swimmer and owner of the NYC-based swim school, Danila was born and raised in Russia. Like many other Russians all around the world, the invasion of Ukraine has left Dan shocked and outraged. The urge to help the people of Ukraine has brought him together with his fellow swimmers Maria and Thomas. Many people affected by the war in Ukraine cannot afford or have access to private therapy. Living in the USA, we are able to provide help for those who needs it the most. We can make a difference in the lives of many people who are struggling with their mental health caused by the invasion!