Soldier Maksym

I am a serviceman.

On February 24, my family woke up to the sounds of explosions. At that moment, there was no doubt — a full-scale war had begun. Already on February 25, I was in the military. I consciously stood up to defend my country, my family, and my people. And I know it was the right decision.

I served in the 25th Separate Airborne Brigade. My combat path ran through the Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Luhansk directions. Those were difficult days, but I held on for those waiting at home and for the country that is fighting.

During one of the combat missions, I was wounded in the forearm and sustained a concussion. From that moment, my body began to fail — the first pain appeared in my hip joints. At the time, it seemed like a consequence of injuries and exhaustion. Evacuation, hospital treatment, and rehabilitation helped me get back on my feet — and I returned to the ranks, because I knew I was needed there.

But war does not pass without consequences. After returning to service, the constant carrying of heavy equipment, living in dugouts, and daily physical strain only worsened the problem that had started after the injury. The joint pain became stronger and did not go away.

Eventually, I turned to doctors and underwent examination. Diagnosis: bilateral coxarthrosis, stage III on the right and stage II on the left; combined contracture of the right hip joint; chronic pain syndrome. This means one thing — I need endoprosthetic replacement of both hip joints.

Doctors are ready to perform the surgery itself free of charge. But there is a critically important point — it is necessary to purchase high-quality implants that will last for many years and give me a chance at a full life without constant pain.

Years of service, injuries, and life in the trenches have effectively destroyed my joints. Today, every movement comes with pain. But I do not give up. I want to return to a normal life. I want to be with my family not only in thoughts, but physically. I want to once again be a support for my loved ones and be useful to my country.

My dream now is simple to live in a peaceful, independent Ukraine and to be with those I love.

Ahead lies a complex surgery and long rehabilitation. And it is the quality of the implants that will determine how complete my recovery will be. I cannot manage without outside help, so I am forced to ask for support.

Thank you to everyone for your support!

 

COLLECTING: UAH 279,600