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!

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The fundraiser for the endoprosthetic replacement surgery for defender Maksym has been closed!

The first hip joint replacement surgery has already been successfully performed. Maksym is currently undergoing rehabilitation, gradually recovering, and preparing for the next surgical intervention.

We sincerely thank everyone who became part of this good cause: those who donated, shared information, offered words of support, and believed in Maksym. It is thanks to you that this important step became possible.

Special gratitude to our partners and friends from Britain — reliable partners British-Ukrainian Aid — for their financial support. Your significant contribution helped close the fundraiser for Maksym’s second endoprosthesis.

Today the support of international friends is invaluable. It means not only financial assistance, but also a powerful signal to our defenders that their fight does not go unnoticed far beyond the borders of Ukraine. It is thanks to such international solidarity that Ukrainian military personnel receive a chance for treatment, recovery, and a return to an active life.

The road to full recovery still lies ahead, but most importantly — Maksym has already taken his first step toward a life without pain. We believe that successful recovery, renewed strength, and a peaceful future await him.

Thank you for staying by our side.

 

COLLECTED: UAH 279,600