Soldier Serhii Mykhailenko, call sign MYKHAS

I am a junior sergeant of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

On February 16, 2017, I made a decision that changed my entire life. Despite having what is known as a “white ticket” due to a chronic illness, I could not stand aside when my country needed protection. From childhood I dreamed of becoming a paratrooper, and I did everything possible to make that dream a reality.

After completing training at the Airborne Assault Forces training center, I became a BTR-80 driver. Already in the autumn of 2017, our rotation headed to Avdiivka to the legendary Promka and the Donetsk Filtration Station. Then came the Mariupol direction, Vodiane, Talavikka, the Kurakhove direction, Mariinka, Novoaidar, Shchastia…

When the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, our rotation became indefinite. We worked where it was hardest: Siversk, Lysychansk, Bakhmut, Soledar, Kramatorsk, Dobropillia, Pokrovsk, and many other settlements. Often at the limits of human capability. We rushed to deliver what was needed for our fellow soldiers in order to hold back the enemy and defend Ukrainian land.

War leaves its marks. And they are not always visible right away.

Today I can no longer carry out combat missions. After many years of service, I was diagnosed with bilateral aseptic necrosis of the femoral heads. Because of this condition, every movement is accompanied by pain, and what was once ordinary has now become a serious ordeal.

Doctors determined the only path to returning to a normal life — endoprosthetic replacement of both hip joints.

The surgery itself will be performed for me free of charge. However, there is a problem I cannot resolve on my own. For the surgery, it is necessary to purchase two high-quality hip implants that will be able to serve for many decades and will allow me to move fully again, work, and live without constant pain.

Unfortunately, the cost of such implants is extremely high. I am not able to cover such a sum on my own, and so today I am compelled to ask for help. Due to my diagnosis, I was discharged from service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine on health grounds. For a person who devoted more than nine years of their life to serving and defending the state, this is no easy ordeal. But I do not lose faith in the future.

I dream of walking again without pain. I dream of regaining my freedom of movement. I dream of fulfilling myself in civilian life. After recovery, I want to work in car detailing and open my own business to work, grow, and build the future that we are all fighting for.

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The fundraiser for the hip joint endoprosthetic replacement surgery for our defender Serhii Mykhailenko has been successfully closed!

During the preparation for the surgery, by the decision of the doctors and in accordance with the medical indicators, the type of implant was changed. Because of this, the required fundraiser amount also changed. Thanks to your caring and support, we were able to raise all the necessary funds.

The implant has already been purchased, and the hip joint replacement surgery has been scheduled.

Ahead of Serhii lies a responsible stage — the surgery and subsequent rehabilitation. We sincerely believe that very soon he will take his first steps without pain and will be able to return to a full life.

We thank from the bottom of our hearts everyone who joined this fundraiser: for donations, shares, words of support, and caring. It is thanks to you that this important cause became possible.

Special sincere gratitude to our friends and partners from Great Britain — British-Ukrainian Aid — for the significant financial assistance that proved decisive for the successful closing of the fundraiser.

Together we have once again proven that support, unity, and humanity are capable of changing lives. We wish Serhii a successful surgery, an easy recovery, strength, and patience.

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 171,000

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The story of defender Serhii Mykhailenko continues. And today it already holds a very important victory — Serhii’s left hip joint has been replaced.

The endoprosthetic replacement surgery was performed successfully. Serhii is currently recovering after the surgical intervention and undergoing rehabilitation. But Serhii’s treatment does not end here. Due to bilateral aseptic necrosis of the femoral heads, the right hip joint also requires replacement. That is why today our foundation is once again opening a fundraiser for the purchase of a high-quality implant for the endoprosthetic replacement of Serhii’s right hip joint.

We were able to walk the first part of this difficult path together. Thanks to the support of caring people, Serhii received the necessary implant and underwent the first surgery. Now we must help him complete the treatment. Ahead lies the purchase of the second implant, surgery on the right hip joint, and further recovery.

For Serhii this is an opportunity to regain his freedom of movement, to live without constant pain, to work, and to build his life after many years of service to Ukraine.

The first step has already been taken. Let us help Serhii take the next one.

 

COLLECTING: UAH 171,000