Soldier Yevhenii Gavrileiko, call sign STARLINK

It all started in 2022, when the full-scale invasion began. Back then, I didn’t fully understand what was happening, but I knew one thing for sure — I did not want to live under the tricolor. Territorial Defense units were being formed, and I went there. For five days I kept knocking on the doors of the TDF and the enlistment office… But they told me: “You’re too young, go home.” I was 19. I replied: “Alright. When you need me — you’ll find me.”

And that’s exactly what happened.

A year later, a draft notice came to my workplace. I showed up to update my data — and on 23.02.2023 I was already in training. It was my chance to take revenge for a friend who was killed in 2022. By then, I clearly understood what those bastards had done to my country. And I knew: they had to be left here, to become fertilizer for our land.

I joined the 81st Separate Airmobile Slobozhanska Brigade, the 90th Separate Airmobile Battalion.

The injury happened suddenly.

We were rotating at the position. We reached the evacuation point, quickly got into the vehicle. A fellow soldier and I jumped into the cabin. The driver hit the gas — and we moved out. The enemy mortar was already working on us.

Then darkness.

I woke up in Mechnikov Hospital. Then I remember being transported to Kyiv. I would open my eyes, they would give me water, and I would black out again. I still didn’t understand what had happened to me.

In Kyiv, I didn’t regain full consciousness right away. Several days passed. My mother wasn’t getting any response from me, so she started searching, calling… And she found me. I remember the day she walked into the ward. I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t do anything. Tears just started rolling down my face.

Then I began learning everything again. Speaking — syllable by syllable. My head hurt so much that I felt like I just wanted to take it off. They bought me a children’s primer, and I read it like a kid. From the beginning. Step by step.

Then I started walking. The same way like a child. Holding on. Slowly. With support from my family.

Then rehabilitation began.

I am grateful to everyone who helps us recover. Who invests their strength, time, and belief in us. Because this is not only about physical recovery. It’s about feeling human again. Learning to speak, to move, to live.

Rehabilitation specialists say: I will make it. The main thing is not to give up.

And I don’t give up.

I have a dream. Before the war, I really wanted to go skydiving, but maybe not in this life. Now my dream is different: to climb a вершина together with my wife. And there, at the top, to raise our Cossack flag. And simply live. Travel. Be together.

But right now, I need help. To return to a full life, I need specialized rehabilitation at the “Western Rehabilitation and Sports Center” of NCSIU. It is a chance to strengthen my body and regain control over myself.

Unfortunately, such rehabilitation requires significant funds, which my family cannot afford on our own.

I truly want to recover and reach my summit.

 

COLLECTING: UAH 90,000