Soldier Darina, call sign MARA

My name is Darina, call sign MARA, and I am 19 years old. In 2024, I voluntarily joined the ranks of the National Guard of Ukraine, serving in the 13th NGU Brigade “Khartiia”.

The decision to join the military was a conscious and deeply personal one for me: my father is a war veteran, and my mother is a servicewoman in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They have always been my examples of resilience and strength. I couldn’t stand by while our country fights for its freedom, so I decided to fight for our Ukraine, for its future.

In April 2024, while on duty, I sustained a severe gunshot wound to the head. I clearly remember the day the shelling began, and I heard the cries of my wounded comrades. I immediately ran to help. I bandaged one, then another, then a third… After pulling the fourth wounded soldier to safety and providing aid, I ran for the next one. At that moment, a cluster munition exploded, and a fragment struck me in the head. I fell, bleeding heavily. I lost consciousness on the way to the hospital.

After a critically important surgery, I fell into a coma and remained there for twenty days. When I woke up, I couldn’t speak or move. I cried… not because of the physical pain, though it was immense, but because I had only been able to save four of my comrades, and I would never see those with whom I had stood shoulder to shoulder again. In my mind, there were explosions, fire, screams… and the fear I had run into headfirst.

For almost six months, I’ve been trying to recover. The rehabilitation continues, but it’s a tough road. I’m fortunate that throughout this time, my family, friends, and comrades have been by my side. Many strangers have supported me, and that inspires me to keep going.

The doctors are cautious with their prognosis. With my injury, there can be no guarantees. I’m doing everything I can to return to my comrades and continue fighting for our freedom. Rehabilitation is not only physically painful but also emotionally taxing. However, the support of those who have been with me gives me the strength to move forward. I believe that I will serve Ukraine and my comrades again.

I am currently finishing my rehabilitation at the "Oberig" clinic. Thanks to the dedicated work of the specialists there, I am already taking my first independent steps.

However, to fully recover, I need to continue treatment and rehabilitation at another facility — the "Modrychi" rehabilitation center.

We are raising 512,000 UAH for 4 months of rehabilitation. I need help to make it through this difficult journey, as every step brings me closer to my dream of returning to the ranks of our country’s defenders!

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Thanks to all the kind-hearted supporters, we have raised the necessary funds for Daryna’s rehabilitation at the “Modrychi” center.

A special thanks to our foundation’s ambassador, Serhiy Zhadan, for his tremendous support of this campaign. His involvement, including informational support and a significant contribution, allowed us to complete the fundraising faster.

She now faces an important stage of recovery and has the opportunity to return to an active life.

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 485,804

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Recently, Daryna reached out to us with a request for help in purchasing orthoses. She needed replacements for both legs — one custom-made and the other a standard model.

We are happy to share that this need has already been fully covered. The process of production and fitting is now underway. Very soon, Daryna will receive the necessary support devices, which will allow her to move more freely and continue her recovery after a severe injury.

 

TRANSFERRED: UAH 12,139.10

TOTAL COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 497,943.10