Soldier Oleksandr Protsenko, call sign KOK

My name is Liudmyla. I am the mother of Ukrainian defender Protsenko Oleksandr, call sign KOK.

Today I am turning to every caring heart with a request for help for my son.

Before the war, Sashko lived an ordinary life in his native village of Ostrivets in Cherkasy Oblast. Like thousands of Ukrainian young men, he had his own dreams, plans, and desires to live, work, and build a future. But when the country needed protection, he stood up to defend it. He served as part of the 15th Border Detachment in the Sumy direction. To his fellow soldiers he was simply KOK — a reliable, courageous, and responsible warrior.

On July 12, 2025, while carrying out a combat mission near the settlement of Sadky in Sumy Oblast, my son’s life changed forever. As a result of a mortar shelling, he sustained extremely severe wounds to the head, neck, and spine.

The most terrifying thing for me as a mother was learning that after the wounding, Sashko lay in a tree plantation for three days. Three long days and three nights he remained alone with his pain, between life and death. Only on July 15 was he found by local residents. People who did not walk past. People who saved my son’s life. The doctors said that a little longer and saving him would no longer have been possible. Every day I thank God and those caring people for giving my son a chance to live.

Then came months of hospitals, surgeries, intensive care units, and sleepless nights. The terrible diagnosis sounded like a verdict: a severe injury to the cervical spine with spinal cord contusion, severe brain damage, deep spastic tetraparesis. My son almost completely lost the ability to move independently.

During this time he underwent numerous complex surgeries and lengthy treatment in military hospitals. Due to the severity of the wounds, serious complications arose which doctors also had to fight. I saw his pain. I saw how a young, strong man relearned how to sit, move his arms, and take the first steps toward recovery. And despite everything, Sashko did not break.

Today there are first results. He has already partially restored movement in his arms and legs. He can independently turn over in bed, sit up, and even walk short distances under the supervision of rehabilitation specialists. For some this may seem like a small thing. For us — it is a true miracle.

But a very long road still lies ahead. My son still requires constant care and outside assistance. His body is held by strong spasticity, and every new movement comes through pain and exhaustion. But he does not lose hope. His greatest dream today is to recover enough to become independent again, to walk without outside assistance, and to return to a full life.

That is why right now Oleksandr is in critical need of specialized rehabilitation at the “AGAPE” center. The doctors give hope that intensive recovery will help improve his condition, reduce spasticity, and restore even more of the lost functions. Unfortunately, our family does not have the means to pay for this rehabilitation course on its own.

That is why I, the mother of a defender, am compelled to ask for help. It is very difficult for me to address anyone with such words. But it is even harder to look into my son’s eyes and understand that his chance for recovery depends on funds that we do not have.

My Sashko gave his health defending each of us. Defending our homes, our children, our right to live under a peaceful sky. Today he needs support.

From the bottom of a mother’s heart, I thank everyone who will not stand aside from our misfortune. Together we can help Oleksandr return to an independent life.

With respect and gratitude, 
the mother of the defender, Liudmyla.

____________________________________________

 

Thanks to the project “Support for Families of Veterans with Disabilities. Recovery and Rehabilitation,” implemented by the Citizen Charity Foundation within the “Capable and Strong” program, carried out by the East Europe Foundation with the assistance of Switzerland, Oleksandr Protsenko was able to complete a specialized rehabilitation course at the “AGAPE UKRAINE” rehabilitation complex.

During the rehabilitation, Oleksandr achieved noticeable progress, which is confirmed by the test results.

On the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) scale of functional independence, his score increased from 35 to 40 points out of 100. In the “Box and Block” test, which assesses upper limb function, the right hand improved its result from 31 to 36 blocks per minute. In the “Nine-Hole Peg” test, the time to complete the exercise with the right hand decreased from 1 minute 47 seconds to 52.7 seconds, indicating improved coordination and fine motor skills.

Equally important were the functional achievements. Oleksandr learned to walk 100–150 meters on uneven surfaces using a forearm crutch, to navigate stairs more safely, and to eat independently with his right hand using an adaptive spoon holder. All rehabilitation goals set by the team of physical and occupational therapists were achieved.

Despite this progress, the consequences of the severe spinal cord injury remain very serious. That is why Oleksandr requires the continuation of intensive rehabilitation. Continuous work with specialists will help not only to preserve the results achieved, but also to bring him closer to his main goal — maximum independence and a return to a full life.

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 78,500

___________________________________________

 

The foundation was approached by the mother of defender Oleksandr Protsenko, as well as by the team of specialists of the “AGAPE Ukraine” rehabilitation complex, with a request to continue his recovery course. Despite the complexity of the injury, thanks to intensive work with the rehabilitation team, he is demonstrating positive recovery dynamics.

Based on the results of the completed rehabilitation course, the specialists note that Oleksandr has significant potential for further recovery. That is why they recommended continuing the rehabilitation for another two weeks. The main goals of the next stage are:

• developing the skills of independent walking with a forearm crutch on uneven surfaces and stairs; 
• strengthening weakened muscles; 
• improving balance and coordination while standing and walking.

Initially, Oleksandr’s stay at the center was planned for three weeks. However, taking into account his achievements and the recommendations of the multidisciplinary team, the need arose to extend the rehabilitation course.

Having reviewed the family’s request and the conclusions of the specialists, the Foundation made the decision to support the defender and paid for an additional 14 days of rehabilitation.

We sincerely thank everyone who supports the fundraisers for the recovery of seriously wounded defenders of Ukraine. It is thanks to your trust and caring that we are able to continue the rehabilitation of those who gave their health defending our country.

Every contribution you make is not simply financial assistance. It is an opportunity for our veterans to take one more step toward an independent life, to regain lost skills, and to believe in their own strength once again.

Together we help our defenders recover. Thank you for being by our side.

 

 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 49,000

 

 

TOTAL COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 127,500