Soldier Ivan Drozd, call sign SHPAK

I’m a serviceman from the Lviv region. I began my military service back in 2014, took part in the Anti-Terrorist Operation, and from the first days of the full-scale war, I rejoined the ranks. I voluntarily joined the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo. Our direction was Luhansk region, the city of Popasna. It was there, on April 10, 2022, during combat, that a mine tore off my left arm.

My comrades saved me — they provided first aid, pulled me out from under shelling, and evacuated me to Chasiv Yar. Then Dnipro — surgery, Lviv — a second operation, Truskavets — dozens of days of hospital treatment. At the rehabilitation center “Halychyna,” I received my first mechanical prosthesis under the state program. But I soon realized it was more of a dummy than a tool. All the work had to be done with my right hand. As a result of overuse, I developed constant pain in my right shoulder. I live in a village and I’m not one to sit idle — there’s always work in the garden, in the garage, and helping others.

I didn’t give up. I started running. It became my psycho-emotional rehabilitation. I regularly take part in various races. I’ve completed three marathons. One of them was the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington (42 km, time — 3 hours 45 minutes). In April 2025, I fulfilled the first part of a big dream — I ran the Boston Marathon. 42 km in 3 hours 56 minutes. It was an extremely tough run, but I couldn’t stop. I ran for my son, who died defending Ukraine. His memory is my daily motivation to keep going. His memory is my strength.

I continue to serve — now in the security company of one of the territorial recruitment centers. And I don’t just live — I fight for a full life. For the ability to once again hold a shovel, a child’s hand, a cup of coffee. I have motivation, I have strength, I have honor — and I have been awarded the 1st Class "Cross of the Brave." But I don’t have an arm.

I strive to receive a forearm prosthesis with a bionic multi-articulated Michelangelo hand, which is powered by an external energy source. This hand is designed to meet basic daily needs: holding, carrying, working — and doing so as naturally as possible, mimicking the anatomical shape of a real hand. The production of this prosthesis is fully covered by the state program that provides high-functionality prosthetics to combat veterans.

However, technically, the Michelangelo hand is only compatible with the Axon Hook electric functional terminal device, which costs 520,318 UAH (including a 10% discount from the manufacturer Otto Bock). The state covers part of the cost — 420,318 UAH, but 99 943,06 UAH is still needed to complete the setup. That’s why I’m reaching out to charitable donors for help.

The Axon Hook is not just a “hook.” It’s a highly precise device with rubber-coated metal tips that allows for complex household and work-related actions. It will give me real functionality and independence.

I believe in people. And I have a big dream: to complete all of the world’s top 7 marathons. So that every step I take is a step toward victory. Ours. Together.

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The fundraising campaign for Ivan Drozd’s bionic prosthesis is officially closed!

The components have already been paid for, and fabrication and fitting are ahead.

The full cost was covered by the “Kharkiv With You” foundation — we are deeply grateful for this vital support.

We also thank everyone who stood by us: donated, shared, or offered kind words. Each of you contributed to something truly meaningful — helping a wounded defender regain the function of his arm.

All remaining funds collected via Ivan Drozd’s Monobank account will now be directed to help another soldier — Serhii Hutsan, callsign ZELENYI, who urgently needs a knee implant.

We continue to support — and thank you for being with us.