Soldier Vasyl Cholpan

I, Vasyl Cholpan, joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2015 and joined the 43rd Artillery Brigade. In 2018, I was transferred to the 36th Marine Brigade. I served under contract and took part in the Anti-Terrorist Operation and the Joint Forces Operation.

We faced the full-scale invasion by the russia in Mariupol, Donetsk region, where our unit held the defence. On the 26th of February, 2022, during an artillery shelling, I sustained a mine-blast wound, and a severe closed spinal injury.

After the injury, I was immediately sent for treatment to the Mariupol hospital, where I stayed until the 12th of April 2022. All this time, Mariupol was under heavy enemy fire, and once a shell hit the hospital itself. I was once again lucky to stay alive, as the neighbouring wards were shattered. After this "incident", I was taken down to the basement, where I stayed until I was taken prisoner. Eventually, there was no one left in the hospital. I said goodbye to my life several times and even scribbled a farewell letter to my family on an iron mug, hoping that one day it would reach my family.

I was taken prisoner on the 12th of April 2022 during another engagement with the enemy in Mariupol. I was immediately taken to the temporarily occupied Donetsk. Before the exchange of prisoners, I did not receive any medical care, except for painkillers.
 
It was only after the exchange, which took place on the 29th of June 2022, that Ukrainian doctors started treatment. So far, I have undergone 7 surgical interventions. I am currently undergoing rehabilitation and have more surgeries ahead.

I still use a wheelchair to get around. I hope to get back on my feet someday. The process of rehabilitation is complicated because of the severe pain I live with all the time. The only chance to relieve the excruciating pain is to install a neuromodulator. The operation is free, but one needs to buy the implant itself.

Unfortunately, I do not have the money for this, so I am asking for help from philanthropists.

 

We are grateful to our fellow charity supporters who agreed to cover the costs of Vasyl Cholpan's further treatment, including the purchase of a neuromodulator.

At Vasyl's request, all the funds raised will be used to pay for the rehabilitation of the Ukrainian Armed Forces International Legion soldier, a Swedish citizen https://ctzn24.com/en/hero/125

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 47,000