Message from Val Kirychenko (and bad news from Brian Kelly after Lismore floods).

Dear Andrew and old university friends. I am heartened by the relief of retirement for us busy doctors. We have been caring for many people and helped them in day to day living, at birth and finally at death. Helping them through life is very challenging but very satisfying. To stop this with the stroke of a pen is scary, for me anyway. I have also decided to retire in the next month (when my insurance runs out). Also my 11 grandchildren, 6 children and 2 wives are taking a lot of my time and at the age of 82 it is time to step down.

I have stated a new activity which takes a lot of my time. In 2011 I published a book called Lydia’s Child. It is the story of my family’s struggle to survive during the World War I, Russian Revolution, World War II and 5 years in a refugee camp. It’s not a bad read but had no publicity and I had no time to promote it. I have resurrected it and printed 1,000 copies and am now trying to sell them with the total proceeds going to the Ukrainian Children’s Fund. I do some talks at Rotary clubs, churches and libraries and sell some copies. I have already sold about 200 copies and have about $3,000 raised. I would welcome your help. I am charging $30.00 per copy and $10 for posting if not sold during a function. I will sell 4 copies for $100.00. Signed, they make great personal presents. Christmas is not far away.

I would really appreciate any introductions to friends in the media. I will talk on radio TV or to the press.

It’s a great read, a great cause, and you get something for your charity dollar. If you like the book, tell your friends, your relatives, your politicians and anyone else that will listen. The poor injured, displaced children need us. I know from my own experience 80 years ago.

The book may be purchased by sending me an email on  kirychenko@hotmail.com and depositing a sum of $40.00 (if including the postage) or sending me a self-addressed and depositing $30 into the following:

Commonwealth Bank,

Acct. name  Ukrainian Fund Kirychenko

ABN 062207

Acct. No. 10279493

I thank you for your support.

I wish all my class mates a happy and meaningful retirement after completing 40 years of personal public service.

Val Kirychenko.

PS I had lunch with Brian Kelly at Brunswick Heads Hotel about 2 weeks ago. He is well, but he practiced in Lismore and the flood reached half way up the 1^st floor level and wiped out their practice. He is considering retiring. He also asked about you Andrew.