Soldier Dmytro, call Sign SHEVA

Greetings, my name is Dmytro; my brothers-in-arms call me SHEVA. In 2015, after studying at the college, I decided to volunteer in the Azov regiment. I wanted to defend the Motherland with this particular unit because I had friends in Azov who had already served there, and I liked their idea of creating a "new army."
At the same time, I wanted to see what war is like, to feel those emotions, that adrenaline. So I joined the Azov "gods of war," the Howitzer artillery division. I participated in the defense of Shyrokyne and a number of other combat missions.
I remember arriving at the position for the first time, and after twenty minutes, I assumed the role of a gunner. During combat tours, I most of all appreciated feeling like a part of a well-coordinated team that worked well. All the guys are always positive, they understand each other perfectly, and they are all motivated for work.

From the first day of my service, I fell in love with the jewel-like accuracy and devastating artillery firepower - you can "rough up" the enemy who came to our land.
In April 2018, I suffered a severe leg injury and amputation.
 

I didn't understand anything when I was wounded: I remember the explosion; I fell to the ground, then got up and saw a lot of blood - my leg was half torn off. I did not have to do anything about it as our boys hurried to provide medical assistance. Then they put me in a KrAZ vehicle and took me to an evacuation point, and there was an ambulance ready to pick me up and take me to a hospital in Mariupol.
Later, I was transported by helicopter to the Dnipro Hospital, named after Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov (Élie Metchnikoff). There, specialists tried to save the leg, but unfortunately, it did not work. After two months of treatment at Mechnikov Hospital, I was sent to Irpin for rehabilitation. There I spent four months learning to walk with a prosthesis.
 

In 2019, I returned to the service.
Thanks to my willpower and the powerful support of the Azov military team, I did not lose heart but continued the unfinished business.
 
For five years, I have been constantly fighting and wearing a prosthesis.
The prosthesis I have is about to expire. Considering the military specifics and load, I need a modern Genium prosthesis from the German manufacturer Ottobock. It allows me to run and not be afraid of water (it is waterproof even under a strong stream of water). I will be able to walk up the stairs with alternating steps and move in reverse.
Genium was invented for the military; the model considers all needs and loads.
Wearing it will let me return to my previous life as it was before the injury! And most importantly, Genium will protect me during combat missions because life on the battlefield depends on mobility.

I constantly dream of the victory of Ukraine and that all the boys and girls who were in Azovstal return home alive from captivity as soon as possible!
 

COLLECTED: UAH 1 052,038.33

 

Following the prosthetists' recommendations and taking into account Dmytro’s (SHEVA) military needs the decision was made to use the modern prosthesis Ottobock Genium X3.

This is the latest model of lower limbs prostheses.  Genium X3 was designed specifically for army amputees.  This prosthesis ensures the highest level of protection from mud, dust and water and is the most suitable for SHEVA to enable him execute his combat missions.

Thanks to the electronic knee module Genium X3 our soldier will feel confident in any combat situation.

SHEVA is an artilleryman and the artillery means the coordinated teamwork in which every person is responsible for his own link of the chain.  In order for SHEVA to continue fighting and executing his combat missions he must be able to move across some difficult terrains with uneven surface, lift and carry artillery equipment, weapons and missiles, and this model of prosthesis would allow him to do just that.  Besides, it is very important that this prosthesis offers the best protection from mud and water and allows running, jumping and generally moving freely despite of the high amputation.

The service life of the prosthesis that SHEVA has being using expired in 2022.  However since the beginning of the full-scale invasion there was no time for replacing it because defending our Motherland was the highest priority.  But now Dmytro is experiencing serious problems with knee joint because of the wrong throw while walking.  Moreover, the knee fixation does not work and the hydraulic system is dripping oil.  All these problems do not just make the life of our soldier extremely uncomfortable but also put his health and life in danger.

SHEVA continues executing his combat missions and leads an active fully-fledged life on the front line in spite of all these problems.  Dmytro is respected and valued by his commanders, his combat experience is the most valuable for Azov combat group.  

 

THE LARGEST and LONGEST LASTING COLLECTION

Together with the soldier, his prosthetists and you, we have gone through a difficult path of waiting for changes in legislation and coordination with all government agencies responsible.  

Soon Dmytro (SHEVA) will receive Genium X3 electronic knee module.

TOTAL COST OF THE PROSTHESIS: UAH 2 545,836.77 

   The state pays (maximum price): UAH 971,421   

   The co-payment of the Citizen Foundation is: UAH 1 574,415.77 

We are grateful to the “Azov’s Angels” Patronage Service for supporting the collection of the Citizen Foundation and donating UAH 224,427.00.

 

TRANSFERRED: UAH 1 574,415.77

Dmytro has already received a highly functional Genium X3 lower limb prosthesis designed specifically for the servicemen. 

Despite the fact that SHEVA is still learning to use the new artificial limb, he has already appreciated its capabilities.  According to him, the Genium X3 has even exceeded his expectations. The defender will soon return to service. In addition, he has a renewed desire and, most importantly, now has the opportunity to be in sports.

This case is a clear example of successful cooperation between the state, represented by the Social Protection Fund for Persons with Disabilities, and the Citizen Charitable Foundation. Together, we were able to provide the defender with the best prosthesis that will expand his capabilities in combat missions and in civilian life.

TOTAL COST OF THE PROSTHESIS: UAH 2 545 836.77 
The state pays (maximum price): UAH 971,421.00
The co-payment of the Citizen's Fund is: 1 574 415.77 UAH

Thank you very much for supporting our wounded defenders!

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Dmytro and Anastasia Shevchuk joined the Family Support program. The couple are recovering together at the Perlyna Karpat sanatorium.

After treatment at the hospital, the Dmytro (SHEVA) were sent for rehabilitation at the expense of the Azov Patronage Service. Realising that recovery from injuries is much faster when soldiers are with their families, the Citizen Foundation paid for his wife's rehabilitation. This is an opportunity to improve the physical and emotional health of both the defender and his wife.
 

TRANSFERRED: UAH 15,000