Soldier Maryus Stagniunas, callsign MARIK

I am a captain in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I have a Lithuanian surname because my father is from Lithuania. But I am Ukrainian to the bone. I was born in Ternopil region, studied physics at Kamianets-Podilskyi University, and at the same time completed military training. In 2019, I joined the army. Back then, it was a conscious choice. Now — it’s my life’s mission.

When the full-scale invasion began, I was a platoon commander. The first explosions weren’t nearby yet, but we knew — they would come. And they did. I had to take responsibility for people, for equipment, for decisions. That was my path.

In June 2023, our sapper group was preparing passages through minefields — getting ready to enter Robotyne during the counteroffensive. We came under artillery fire. I was organizing the retreat when I stepped on an unknown explosive device. Everything after that is a blur. My comrades quickly carried me out and evacuated me. But my leg could not be saved.

I went through a long treatment — Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, and the last surgery was in Berlin, where I also received my prosthesis. Now I’m back in service. Not in the sapper group — my health doesn’t allow it. But I continue to serve, helping my unit however I can.

I don’t complain. Because I have something to hold on for. My wife Oksana. My little son Luka — he’s almost three now, and he doesn’t let me stop for a moment. This restless boy pulls me forward every single day. And I want to keep up with him. I want to live fully.

I completed 17 days of rehabilitation at the Western Rehabilitation and Sports Center. And for the first time in a long while, I felt like my body belonged to me again. My endurance is coming back, movement is returning, lightness, confidence. But 17 days — is not enough. Just as I started adapting to active life — the course ended.

The rehabilitation specialist said: “He’s just getting into the rhythm. Give us two more weeks, and we’ll be able to lay a solid foundation for his future mobile life. Otherwise — it might fade away as soon as he returns to office work.”

So I turn to the foundation with a request: please support the continuation of my rehabilitation for another 13 days. It’s not much in terms of time — but it’s critically important for my health. Because I don’t just want to survive, I want to live. To be a father, a husband, an officer who doesn’t drag his leg, but moves forward.

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The fundraiser for Captain Marius is CLOSED.
The rehabilitation has been paid for. The recovery course completed. The journey toward a full life continues.

This was made possible thanks to the support of caring people — every donation, every share, every kind word. Together, we didn’t just raise funds — we gave momentum, strength, and motivation.

The team of specialists at the Western Rehabilitation and Sports Center of the National Committee for Sports of the Disabled of Ukraine carried out a full rehabilitation course, and the results are impressive:

  • Time on the Four Square Step Test decreased from 7.3 to 4.4 seconds;
  • "Get Up and Go" test — from 6.2 to 4.07 seconds;
  • 6-minute walk distance increased from 650 to 710 meters;
  • Running (which was not possible at the beginning) — now 60 meters in 12.2 seconds, 100 meters in 21.1 seconds;
  • Number of pull-ups doubled — from 4 to 8;
  • Balance on the left leg improved from 3 to 45 seconds.

Specialists emphasize: Marius has achieved a lot, but continued physical activity is essential — it is the key to long-term stability.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank:

  • everyone who contributed to the fundraiser;
  • the specialists of the rehabilitation center for their professionalism and compassion;
  • each person who didn’t stay indifferent.

Ahead lies life. And we believe it will be strong, active, and full of dignity.

MARIK holds the line. And we stand with him.

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 39,000