Soldier Oleksandr Pustovid, call sign HRUSHA

My name is Oleksandr, and I am the father of Ukrainian defender Pustovid Oleksandr Oleksandrovych, call sign HRUSHA. Today I am addressing you not only as a father, but as a person who every day sees the terrible price at which our freedom is won.

My son was born on December 12, 1989, in Kharkiv. He attended school No. 73 and later graduated from the Kharkiv National Technical University of Agriculture. After his studies, Oleksandr worked in our family footwear manufacturing business, helped develop the enterprise, and made plans for the future.

He was always a person who does not walk past another’s misfortune.

That is why Oleksandr voluntarily joined the ranks of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine and signed a contract. He said that he could not stand aside when the country needed protection.

But the war changed everything very quickly.

During his military service, my son developed health problems that led to an acute cerebrovascular accident. According to the conclusions of the military medical commission, in October 2024 Oleksandr suffered an ischemic stroke as a result of thrombosis of the right internal carotid artery.

The doctors fought for his life every minute.

He underwent thrombectomy, decompressive craniectomy, prolonged treatment, and numerous surgeries. A titanium plate was subsequently installed. Long months of hospitals, pain, uncertainty, and exhausting struggle for every movement lay ahead. Today Oleksandr has already done what seemed impossible just recently: thanks to the doctors and his own willpower, he has begun to walk again.

But the consequences of the injury remain very severe.

The left arm still does not function. Oleksandr has problems with coordination and balance. His speech remains sluggish and requires constant work with specialists. The left eye does not function. Every new movement, every word, every small step forward is the result of enormous effort.

Despite everything he has been through, my son has not lost the most important thing — faith in the future.

He dreams of starting a happy family. He dreams of returning to our family business. He dreams of a large, cozy home filled with the sound of children’s laughter. And I believe these dreams can come true.

Right now Oleksandr is in vital need of specialized rehabilitation at the “Western Rehabilitation and Sports Center” of the NCSPI. It is there that he will be able to receive comprehensive assistance: physical rehabilitation, restoration of motor functions, work on speech, and the support of specialists who help people after severe brain injuries return to a full life. Unfortunately, our family is unable to cover all the costs on its own.

That is why we are compelled to ask for help. Help Oleksandr return to a life in which he can once again speak, work, embrace his loved ones, and build his future.

 

COLLECTING: UAH 120,000