Soldier Volodymyr Starostenko

My name is Nadiia. I am the mother of Volodymyr Starostenko — my only son. We are from Kharkiv. In January 2023, Volodymyr was mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He was 44 years old. He served in the 23rd Separate Mechanized Brigade as a rifleman and assistant grenadier.

On September 29, 2023, during a combat mission near the village of Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region, my son was severely wounded. He suffered an open traumatic brain injury. A shrapnel-penetrating wound to the frontal area. A gunshot fracture of the frontal, parietal, and temporal bones. Fragments went through his brain. Part of his skull was destroyed. Doctors said it was the kind of injury people don’t survive…

No one informed me about what happened. I had to search for my son myself when he lost contact — going through military units, hospitals, and lists. And only at the end of October, almost a month after his injury, I found him in intensive care in Vinnytsia. He was like a small child — not speaking, not moving, but he recognized me.

Since that day, I have been by his side every day. Long weeks in intensive care, treatment, rehabilitation. Today, Volodymyr has started to speak a little. He tries to form words, answers briefly. But he remembers almost nothing about what happened to him.

Despite everything, he keeps fighting. I see how every day he makes incredible efforts to stand, to speak, to hold his balance, to remember…

Right now, we urgently need specialized rehabilitation at the “Western Rehabilitation and Sports Center” of the National Committee for Sports for the Disabled of Ukraine. This is where the best specialists work — those who give a chance even in the most severe cases.

This rehabilitation is our chance to bring Volodymyr back to life. Without it, everything achieved over these months could be lost. I am terrified to even think about it…

I believe we will endure, because we are together. Volodymyr has already survived where there was almost no chance. And now — he simply needs to live. Please, help my son take this step toward a normal life.
_________________________________________

 

Fundraising for Volodymyr Starostenko — CLOSED!

Friends, we sincerely thank everyone who joined the fundraising campaign for the rehabilitation of our defender Volodymyr Starostenko.

A special thanks goes to Bihus.Info for their informational support — your help became the driving force behind this good cause.
Thanks to all caring people, the full amount has been raised, and Volodymyr has already continued his recovery course at the Western Rehabilitation and Sports Center of the National Committee for Sports of the Disabled of Ukraine.

Ahead lies a long journey of rehabilitation — restoring memory, speech, and movement. But now he does not walk this path alone — he is supported by people who care.

We thank everyone who made a donation, shared his story, or supported the family with words and faith.

We believe that Volodymyr will once again live an active life, speak freely, and smile sincerely.
Thank you for helping him take this step toward life.

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 120,000