Soldier Serhii Badeshko, call sign AMERICA

My name is Serhii Badeshko, callsign AMERICA.

I have been serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine since 2016. In 2019, I participated in the anti-terrorist operation against the Russian Federation. In January 2022, I was discharged from service — my wife was expecting our son, and I wanted to be by her side.

However, in May 2022, I was mobilized. Without hesitation, I went to defend my homeland because I believe this is my life’s mission, one to which I will dedicate many years. How could I stay at home while my country was engulfed in flames?

I joined the 17th Separate Rifle Battalion, and we held positions in the Slobozhanske direction, based near Balakliia.

On that fateful day, May 26, 2022, we were returning from duty when a group of armed men confronted us. They demanded passwords and ordered us to kneel. I had no intention of complying, but I didn’t have time to act. Fifteen shots were fired — almost point-blank. Distance: one meter. Fourteen bullets were stopped by my body armor. One hit my neck, injuring my cervical vertebrae and spinal cord. I felt the impact, intense pain. I was falling but still heard my comrades’ voices. That’s the last thing I remember…

What followed was a long journey through intensive care units in Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Kleban. Doctors removed the bullet and bone fragments, but the verdict was devastating — spinal cord damage. And no guarantees.

It was hard. It was terrifying. But I knew I had no right to give up. My little son was waiting for me at home, hearing from his mother that his father is a warrior. And he must not see me weak.

More than two years have passed. I put all my strength into recovery. I don’t know how long it will take, but I do know one thing: I must become more mobile and independent. And one day, I will step onto a field with my son to kick a ball together.

Right now, I desperately need rehabilitation at the “Agape” center. It’s my chance to move forward, work on myself, and get closer to my dream. But I cannot afford the treatment on my own, so I am turning to kind-hearted people for help.

I didn’t give up then.
And I won’t give up now.
Because life goes on. And my fight does too.

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Serhii has successfully completed his first course of rehabilitation at the “Agape” center! The results exceeded expectations: the defender has become noticeably more mobile, new opportunities for recovery have emerged, and most importantly — specialists see a real prospect for his return to an active and independent life.

Thanks to his perseverance and your support, we now have these incredible first successes.

The rehabilitation team has officially reached out to us with a recommendation to organize continued rehabilitation for Serhii in order to consolidate the progress made and move forward. Now that his body is responding to treatment, it’s crucial not to stop!

That’s why we are announcing the continuation of fundraising for his ongoing treatment. The fundraising goal has been updated in accordance with the new rehabilitation plan.

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The fundraiser for the rehabilitation of severely wounded defender Serhii has been successfully completed, the need fully covered, and two rehabilitation courses have already been completed.

Serhii has made tremendous progress:

  • he independently transfers from his wheelchair to the bed,
  • confidently uses his wheelchair both at home and outdoors,
  • prepares food on his own,
  • confidently overcomes architectural barriers,
  • has improved coordination, strength, balance — and most importantly, his belief in himself.

This became possible thanks to you — everyone who donated, shared, or offered words of support.

Our heartfelt thanks to the medical team and rehabilitation specialists at the Agape center who invested their knowledge, patience, and hearts into Serhii.

There is still much work ahead, but we are confident: he can do it. We are by his side. And we believe.

Thank you for your kindness, humanity, and support for our defenders.

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 120,400

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Serhii reached out with a request for support to fund an additional rehabilitation course at the "AGAPE" center. Specialists have been working on reinforcing the skills that help him in everyday life:

  • overcoming architectural barriers,
  • climbing ramps more safely,
  • improving endurance and balance.

The specialists say there is progress, but much work still lies ahead. And to strengthen these skills and move forward, more time is needed.

But there is another, even more important aspect that the rehabilitation team is focusing on closely: the adjustment of urinary drainage. The team is testing various catheterization methods to find the safest, most comfortable, and effective solution for Serhii.

This is critically important, as the right technique impacts not only comfort but also quality of life, safety, and independence.
And Serhii himself is highly motivated to learn how to manage this properly—so he can feel more confident and free in his daily life.

The total cost of the 21-day rehabilitation course was 53 200 UAH.


And we’re happy to share that this need is now fully covered and paid for.

Your donations, your concern, and your reposts are what made it possible for Serhii to receive quality, professional rehabilitation.

Thanks to you, he is making steps toward a more independent, active, and dignified life. We are sincerely grateful to everyone who contributed. You are standing by and it truly makes a difference.

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 53,200

TOTAL COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 173,600