Soldier Oleksii, call sign FRODO
Hello. My name is Oleksii. I am 32 years old and this is my abridged story about the way I became a warrior, both for others and for myself. I know how boring reading about other people's childhood and personal history can be, so... I will try to tell you about myself without unnecessary fancy, imaginative descriptions.
I was born in the village of Natalivka in the Zviagelskyi (formerly Novohrad-Volynskyi) district. It is interesting that Zviagel is the birthplace of Lesia Ukrainka, Valerii Zaluzhnyi and many soldiers who defend our country.
My extreme passion before the full-scale invasion was programming, and I was preparing to go to Italy to study at the Academy of Artificial Intelligence, but chose the path of a soldier. Since I am a fast learner, I got into the Air Assault Forces and became a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) operator there. Later, I switched to kamikaze drones and was transferred to a combat aerial vehicles company.
On 14.03.2023, while performing a combat mission, I came under enemy mortar fire near Bakhmut, but, thank God, I miraculously survived. My lung and kidney were ruptured, my right arm was torn off, I had shrapnel injuries to my head and spine, multiple internal and external injuries, but I survived.
I always feel a thirst for life and exciting adventures, and I am sure that the most interesting experiences are yet to come. My wife is my motivation and angel. It is her who is constantly helping me in these difficult times.
I am also inspired by volunteers, charitable foundations and organisations. When I was admitted to the hospital from the intensive care unit, I could not even imagine what a difficult and tremendous job they do. And once again, I thank all the doctors and people who put us back on our feet.
There is still a lot of work to be done to win, and life is only beginning, so I continue moving forward with my head held high for the sake of myself, my family and the future that awaits each of us.
At the moment, I am undergoing rehabilitation and waiting for further surgeries. But at the same time, I am training to fly drones with one hand together with the Victory Drones team, so I can continue teaching our defenders this important craft and bring our victory closer.
I have a lot of plans, ideas and thoughts, but to make it all come true, I need a modern bionic prosthetic arm.
I am confident that I will continue to be useful to my profession and society, and the results of my efforts will be incredible!!!
At the end of August, Oleksiy underwent surgery - neuromas were removed, 5 fragments of an enemy mine were removed from his head, amputated arm, ribs, lower back...
I still have surgeries, rehabilitation and prosthetics ahead of me.
UPDATED INFORMATION.
Unfortunately, the prosthetics scheduled for FRODO for October has been delayed.
Currently, Oleksii is in a hospital where he was supposed to undergo surgery. The doctors diagnosed an inflammation of the intestines, so the planned surgery was postponed.
FRODO will spend a month undergoing various "not too pleasant" procedures, as he says, to help his body recover and prepare for surgery. After that, he will be able to proceed with prosthetics and rehabilitation.
Oleksii is facing the obstacles with dignity and optimism and says: "The main thing is to do everything on time and keep my head up! Then everything will work out!"
In October 2023, UAH 8,268.90 was transferred for the necessary medicines for treatment.
We do not stop...
In December 2023, I received a Compex SP 6.0 electric stimulator from the Citizen Charitable Foundation.
A useful device that stimulates muscles that are difficult to fully engage during exercise. It has a number of important advantages: it increases muscle tone; it replaces exercises on exercise machines that are prohibited due to concomitant diagnoses; it allows you to work out your muscles in any room.
I have real feedback from doctors and fellow patients in the next room about its effectiveness. I am already actively using the electric stimulator, I feel improvements and am preparing for prosthetics.
TRANSFERRED: UAH 29 700
Oleksii continues treatment for concomitant internal injuries that have delayed his prosthetic treatment abroad.
FRODO had a severe injury that affected his intestines, resulting in the need for a colostomy. Once again, the doctors confirm that closing the colostomy is impossible today, as it can cause complications due to the still existing inflammation. The prescribed bowel treatment involves rest and regular wound care. Therefore, travelling to the United States is temporarily impossible for now, as it can cause additional complications apart from pain and discomfort.
We wish Oleksii a speedy recovery!
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In connection with changes in legislation in the field of prosthetics and an increase in the maximum prices allocated by the state for upper limb prosthetics, the amount that we raise has been reduced. However, these funds are still not sufficient for a prosthesis that can meet all of FRODO's needs.
Thanks to your donations, Oleksiі will receive a modern prosthesis with an Ossur i-Limb Quantum hand, which he dreamed of.
The hand has five self-articulating fingers and can change its grip using gestures.
The prosthesis will allow Oleksiі to perform most everyday tasks, helping the young dad lead an active lifestyle without restrictions.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 295,392.78
Oleksii is finishing prosthetics and rehabilitation in a hospital. After a serious injury that led to the amputation of his upper limb, the defender must constantly exercise and keep himself in good shape. This is due to the fact that when the volume of the body changes, the prosthesis must be modified - the stump receiver must be changed.
The "Citizen" charity fund paid for sports equipment for FRODO, which will provide comfortable conditions for rehabilitation at home.
In addition, Oleksii recently became a father. And this is the strongest motivation to live a full active life, do sports and raise a son.
COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 20,976
TOTAL COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 354,337.68