Soldier Mykola Lemeshchenko, call sign MEDIC

My name is Mykola Lemeshchenko. I am a combat medic with the 43rd Separate Mechanized Brigade. My call sign is MEDIC.

I was mobilized on April 30, 2023. I served in the Donetsk sector, and now we are defending the Kupiansk direction. My job is to pull my brothers-in-arms out of hell. I often think it wasn’t me who chose the role of a medic — it chose me. There’s no other way to explain how someone can endure the pain of loss, witness so much suffering, and still remain standing. But I hold on. Because someone has to.

There’s no time for yourself on the front line. But it was there, when I heard the approaching sound of an enemy FPV drone, that I jumped into a trench. I saved my life, but couldn’t protect myself from injury. The landing was rough — I injured my left hip joint. At first, I endured the pain. Then it became constant. Eventually — unbearable.

Months passed, and I could barely walk properly. I thought it was just prolonged inflammation. But after undergoing a military medical commission, I was diagnosed with stage 2 coxarthrosis, which within six months progressed to aseptic necrosis. The joint is destroyed.

My life has changed dramatically. Every step comes with pain. Even sleep brings no rest. My mobility is limited, and it will only get worse. According to doctors, the only solution is total hip replacement surgery. Without it, I’m losing my chance at a full life. That’s why I’m forced to ask for help from charitable donors — I can’t manage this alone.

The war goes on. And it’s hard to dream while it does. But I have a goal — to undergo surgery, recover, and return to my unit. My brothers-in-arms are there. That’s where I’m needed.

____________________________________________

The fundraising campaign for hip joint replacement for Mykola Lemeshenko, a combat medic of the 43rd Mechanized Brigade, has been successfully closed.

The implant has already been paid for, the surgery has taken place, and most importantly — Mykola is now confidently moving along the path to recovery.

According to the rehabilitation plan, he is already moving independently with the help of two canes and can walk up and down to the third floor on foot. This is an incredible achievement and, at the same time, the best proof that together we can restore an active life.

We would like to sincerely thank:

• Our partners, the charitable organization Ukraine Charity — for their trust, clear coordination, and real help at the most critical moments.
• Everyone who contributed to the campaign — through donations, reposts, and words of support. You became part of this story, part of the great force that supports our defenders.
• The medical team and rehabilitation specialists — for their professionalism, attentiveness, and care.

There are still rehabilitation stages ahead, but today Mykola can already live without daily pain — thanks to you.
We believe he will fully recover and once again be where he is needed the most.

Thank you for not standing aside.

Thank you for supporting those who hold the sky above us.

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 115,000