Soldier Volodymyr, callsign PANK

My name is Volodymyr, I am 27 years old, callsign — PANK.
I serve in the 80th Air Assault Brigade, since 2024, and I’ve already been at war for a year and a half.

This is not a story about heroism. It’s a story about what can happen to a body when it endures pain for months until it can no longer stand.

It all started back when some tires fell on my back at a BZVP. I didn’t pay much attention then: it hurt — I endured. In February, we spent 25 days in trenches without leaving. Then came a march of more than 30 kilometers on foot — over craters, with shells flying overhead and a concussion in my head. It was after that concussion that my condition began to worsen rapidly.

And then — the sanatorium. Instead of relief, things got worse. Imagine: you arrive for recovery, but after a few days you can’t even get out of bed properly. The pain didn’t just interfere — it became my constant background. I couldn’t sit for long, lying down hurt, turning over was worse. My right leg was being pulled, my hands went numb. Constant burning pain shooting through my spine from neck to waist.

I didn’t give up. But after the MRI, it became clear that this was serious. I was diagnosed with advanced spinal osteochondrosis, multiple protrusions and herniated discs, including in the lumbar region, with spinal canal stenosis pressing on the nerve roots.

That means only one thing — without surgery I will simply lose the ability to walk normally.

I was referred for inpatient treatment with the need to install a set of implants to stabilize the thoracolumbar spine — titanium alloy, Double Medical. This is a structure that literally holds the spine from collapsing. But such systems are very expensive.

And this operation won’t be the last. I will need to gradually repair my whole back. But the prognosis is good: if it’s done now, there is a chance to preserve the function of my legs and return to normal life.

My back has carried everything — armor, battles, mud, cold, exhaustion. Honestly, it deserves some care. It needs this system that will literally save the spine from destruction. But such implants are costly. Very costly. That’s why I am forced to ask for help.

I will be grateful for any support: a donation, a repost, or simply a kind word.
 

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The fundraising for the set of implants to stabilize Volodymyr’s thoracolumbar spine has been successfully closed.
The bill has been paid. The surgery is already behind him.

Ahead lies recovery. And the path to a life without constant pain.

We sincerely thank everyone who was there — with donations, shares, support, and kind words.
You gave Volodymyr not just a chance — you are giving him back movement, sleep, and strength.

We believe that with each day, it will get easier.

 

TRANSFERRED: UAH 67,200