Soldier Serhii Ponomariov

My name is Serhii Ponomariov. I am a sergeant, a combat medic, a father to a 13-year-old son, and a son to a mother whom I had to evacuate from our native Donetsk region to Poltava region because of the war. And I’m also one of those who stepped up to defend Ukraine when Russia once again decided to trample our land.

Before the war, I worked as a locksmith in an emergency service. I repaired water pipelines and saved people’s homes from bursts and flooding. Later, I saved my comrades. In 2024, I became a senior combat medic in the Air Assault Forces. That was my new mission: to preserve life where death is all around.

On March 20, 2025, near the settlement of Burlatske in Donetsk region, we were carrying out another combat mission. The enemy dropped explosives from a drone. It all happened in seconds. I remember the explosion and then darkness. I could have died in that moment. But I survived. With a severe open traumatic brain injury, shrapnel in my head and face, a damaged eye, and fractures of the skull and orbital bones.

Medics pulled me back from the brink. But the fight for a normal life is still ongoing.

I need custom modeling and manufacturing of a patient-specific implant — a patch made of PEEK material to close the defect in my skull bone. Along with it, a 3D model of my skull and a set of special screws for secure fixation are being produced. Without this, I cannot return to a full life.

Persistent head pain, coordination issues, vision problems — all of these are consequences of the injury. But I hold on. I hold on because I have someone to live for. My son is waiting for me at home. My mother prays every day for my recovery. And I dream of simply hugging them again without pain.

This surgery is my chance to return to life as a father, a son, and a man who has fulfilled his duty.
The fundraiser for Sergeant and combat medic Serhii Ponomariov has been successfully closed!

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The cost of modeling and manufacturing a personalized cranial implant has already been covered, and the surgery is scheduled. Ahead of Serhii lies recovery — a challenging journey toward a full life. But now, he is definitely not alone.

Our sincere thanks go to our partners the charitable organization Ukraine Charity for their financial support of Serhii Ponomariov’s fundraiser.

Ukraine Charity are true friends who speak the same language as we do: the language of support, respect for wounded defenders, and a shared commitment to giving them a chance at a dignified life after the front lines.

We especially value this partnership because it’s not just about the money.
It’s about trust. About the willingness to act swiftly.
About compassion for the stories that hurt.

 

TRANSFERRED: UAH 48,708