Soldier Vasyl Tovtyn, callsign TOPIK

I am a volunteer who joined the ranks of defenders on the first day of the full-scale invasion. I went to the military enlistment office without hesitation. I served in the 33rd Separate Mechanized Brigade in the Zaporizhzhia direction. Before that, I was a participant in the ATO. I know well what I stood and still stand for — for a free Ukraine and for the future of our children.

During one of the rocket attacks, I received a combat injury. Unfortunately, proper examination and treatment were not conducted afterward. The body gradually became exhausted, which led to serious complications.

On September 17, 2024, while I was at home on leave, behind the wheel of a car, my condition suddenly worsened — hemoglobin dropped, I lost consciousness, fell into a coma, and went off the road. My son was in the car. He did not panic, got out of a deep ditch, and called an ambulance. Thanks to him — and to the doctors — I survived.

They brought me back to life. The doctors did everything possible to save my legs — and they succeeded. At first, the fractures were fixed with external structures. Later, several complex surgeries were performed: the bones were aligned and reinforced with plates and screws. Now I can walk, although this is just the beginning of a long recovery path.

Now I need to undergo a specialized rehabilitation course at the “Western Rehabilitation and Sports Center” of the NSCDU. My goal is to stabilize the knee, strengthen the muscles of the thigh and lower leg, restore strength and confidence in every step, to walk confidently and without pain.

Professional rehabilitation is my chance to stand firmly on my feet again, to be next to the son who saved me, and to live fully.

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Friends, with deep gratitude we share this news: the fundraiser for the rehabilitation of severely wounded defender Vasyl has been successfully closed. The rehabilitation has been paid for, and the course is now complete. Ahead lies the path to a full life.

The team of specialists at the Western Rehabilitation and Sports Center confirms that the rehabilitation goals have been achieved: strength, endurance, and functionality of Vasyl’s right leg have significantly improved. He can now move short distances independently without support. For medium and long distances, he uses an orthosis.

Test results (before / after):

  • “Get up and go”: 8.9 sec → 5.2 sec
  • 6-minute walk: 465 m → 590 m
  • Walking speed: 1.28 m/s → 2.08 m/s
  • Muscle strength: increased by over 30%

Specialists’ recommendation: to continue specialized physical therapy — to fully restore mobility without assistive devices.

Thank you to everyone who contributed with donations, shares, and kind words. Special thanks to the rehabilitation team for their professionalism and care.

We believe even more progress lies ahead. And we’ll be there every step of the way.

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 90,000