Soldier Oleksandr Stepanenko, call sign MORYACHOK

My name is Oleksandr Stepanenko, I am 46 years old, a sergeant, and I have served since 2019 in the 93rd Brigade “Kholodnyi Yar.” My callsign is Moryachok.

The full-scale war caught us near Akhtyrka. We fought for every meter of Ukrainian land: for Trostianets, for Sumy, for Izium, for Bakhmut, for Soledar. For the life of every Ukrainian.

I received my first leg injury in the battles near Bakhmut. But after rehabilitation, I returned. Because there was no other way. We had no right to retreat. Then came Soledar, the Bucha district, where we were waiting for a possible offensive from Belarus.

We replenished the unit, gathered our strength, and went east again — to Klishchiivka, where we replaced the 3rd Assault Brigade.

That’s where I received my most severe injury.

We had lost our positions, and a few days later went to take them back. I don’t remember exactly how it happened. There was an explosion, pain, and then — nothing. My comrades pulled me out. In Kramatorsk, they stabilized me, then Dnipro, Mechnikov Hospital. The doctors saved my life. I woke up eight days later in intensive care in Ivano-Frankivsk.

I have an open traumatic brain injury, a skull bone defect, paresis of my left arm and leg. I underwent a complex cranial reconstruction surgery in Kharkiv — because such operations are only performed in a few cities in Ukraine.

I am alive. But different. I have a first-degree disability. And every day I learn to be myself again.

I am in great need of rehabilitation at the Western Rehabilitation and Sports Center of the National Sports Committee for the Disabled of Ukraine. It is a specialized facility where they work with people after the most severe combat injuries. They can help me there. But the cost of rehabilitation is unaffordable for me alone.

That’s why I am forced to ask for help to go through this journey.

I didn’t break then. And now I sincerely believe that with the support of caring people and my persistent effort, I will stand on my feet again with confidence. My goal is to live fully, be active, and help others. I will definitely return to an active life.

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The fundraiser for a specialized rehabilitation course for Sergeant Oleksandr Stepanenko has been successfully completed. The 30-day recovery program at the Western Rehabilitation and Sports Center of NCSIU has been paid for and completed.

The program focused on restoring walking skills, balance, strength, coordination, and everyday independence.

The rehabilitation goals have been achieved.

The main objectives centered on improving gait and daily self-sufficiency within a room. Oleksandr has shown significant improvement in strength, endurance, and functionality.

Assessment results:

  • He began the rehabilitation course using a forearm crutch and completed it with a single-point cane, an ankle-foot orthosis, and a knee brace.
  • The “Get Up and Go” test improved from 23.8 seconds to 17 seconds.
  • The 6-minute walk distance increased from 225 m to 280 m.
  • The 10-meter walk time improved from 14.9 seconds to 11.3 seconds.

Specialist recommendations:

  • Continue physical rehabilitation with a focus on improving gait.
  • Fabricate a custom orthosis for ankle stabilization.
  • Consult local specialists for social and daily life adaptation.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this effort through donations, shares, and kind words. Your support gave Oleksandr the opportunity to complete this vital stage of recovery.

A special thanks to the team of professionals at the Western Rehabilitation and Sports Center — for your expertise, care, and compassion. You don’t just treat the body — you restore hope.

Oleksandr still has many challenges ahead. But he is no longer alone. His journey continues and with your support, we truly believe he can live an active, dignified, and fulfilling life.

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 90,000