Soldier Oleksandr, call sign EDDIE

My name is Oleksandr, call sign EDDIE.

Before the war, I lived an active life: football, hockey, constant movement. I played for the amateur league “Desna” in Kyiv, had plans, goals, and many dreams. But in June 2023, I became a soldier.

I completed training abroad and then joined the 36th Separate Marine Brigade. Avdiivka, Kherson region – Pishchane, Krynky, where I spent 46 days. Then Beryslav, Vovchansk…

And it was there that I sustained my most severe injury.

A bullet passed through my mouth and exited through my eye. A second bullet hit my helmet, giving me a chance to survive. My comrades carried me out under fire—I was even talking and drinking water, or so they say.

Just an hour and a half later, I was in Kharkiv. A complex surgery. Three days in darkness—in a coma. An eye removed, a brain hemorrhage, paralysis of the right side of my body, aphasia…

Four days later, I was in a Kyiv hospital. They operated on my eye and placed a plate.

The doctors told me I had to fight. And I fought. Rehabilitation began right in the hospital. It was difficult, painful—at times, it felt like the end. But I couldn’t allow myself to give up.

Three months later, I stood on my feet. Three months later, I spoke my first words.

Doctors emphasized that these were incredible results for such an injury in such a short period.

Now, I have one goal: to regain the ability to walk confidently, to speak, to live. I need intensive rehabilitation at the Western Rehabilitation and Sports Center. This is a chance I cannot afford to lose.

I will be grateful for any help. Your support is my future.

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Thanks to the support of our partners, all those who care, and the incredible strength of spirit of Oleksandr himself, the defender successfully completed a 30-day rehabilitation course at the “Western Rehabilitation and Sports Center” of the NSCDU.

Rehabilitation goals achieved!

The program focused on high-intensity interval training, which significantly reduced the risk of falls and greatly improved his ability to move across different types of surfaces. Strength, endurance, and functional mobility increased noticeably.

These results are proof that even after severe injuries, one can return to life — when reliable people are by your side.

Our deepest gratitude goes to:

• the team of rehabilitation professionals — physical therapists, occupational therapists, and all the center’s staff — for your expertise, care, and daily support. You became Oleksandr’s guides on this difficult journey;
• everyone who donated, shared the story, believed, and supported. You gave him a chance. You became a shoulder to lean on.
• the charity organization British-Ukrainian Aid for financially supporting this important stage of the defender’s recovery.

Oleksandr continues working on himself, fighting every day for a future without pain or limitations. He dreams of walking confidently again, of training and living actively — just like before the war. And we’re not stopping, because we know: together we can do anything.

Thank you for your faith. For your support. For the miracles.

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 90,000