Soldier Maryan Hrytsa, callsign HRYTSA

In October 2023, I was mobilized into the 3rd Border Detachment named after Hero of Ukraine Colonel Yevhenii Pikus. I became a grenadier, a Category II Border Service Inspector. Like all my brothers-in-arms, I did not hesitate — I simply took up arms and went to defend my homeland.

September 17, 2024, became a day I will never forget. That day, in the village of Pishchane, Kharkiv region, during combat, I sustained a severe mine-explosive injury. It was a moment — and at the same time the beginning of a long, painful journey. A combined gunshot shrapnel wound to the neck, chest, left arm, right hand, a fractured kneecap — and a whole list of injuries that doctors whispered about.

I was evacuated to Kharkiv, and from there by medical train to Lviv. There, through the entire night, four surgeons fought for my life. They didn’t give up. And I didn’t give up. Then came 7 more surgeries.

I underwent a state rehabilitation course. But unfortunately, it did not deliver the desired results. At present, I move very little. With crutches, I can cover no more than 100 meters — and even that is through pain and immense effort. Cooking for myself, performing daily self-care — all of it is difficult. I remain dependent on outside help.

Yet I have not lost faith.

From a fellow soldier, I learned about the “Western Rehabilitation and Sports Center” of the NSIU. He went through rehabilitation there and told me: “They really get people back on their feet.” After fruitless attempts to find effective help, this is my chance. A chance to regain at least part of an independent life. To learn to walk confidently again. To live.

But this treatment is expensive, and I cannot manage on my own. So I am forced to ask for help. Because, unfortunately, after battle, the struggle continues — now for every movement, for every day without pain, for the possibility to live, not just survive.

Professional rehabilitation is the path to regain movement, strength, and freedom.
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The fundraiser for the rehabilitation of Maryan Hrytsa has been successfully closed! The course has already been paid for, and Maryan is now undergoing recovery at the Western Rehabilitation and Sports Center of NCSIU. There is still a long road ahead, but each day there brings him closer to a full life.

We thank everyone who supported this cause — through donations, sharing the story, or kind words. Every action matters, and it is thanks to you that we can continue helping our defenders.

A special heartfelt thanks goes to our friend of the foundation, Karen from Austria, who donated €950 and helped close a significant part of the fundraiser.

Deep gratitude also to the team of rehabilitation specialists who work with Maryan every day, helping him get closer to his goal — returning to an active and fulfilling life.

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 90,000