A Leg for a Hero: Help Oleksii Rebuild His Life

Hello, my name is Olga. I am from Ukraine, but for the past two years, I have been building a new life in Canada due to the war. Being here, I am using this opportunity to create this GoFundMe campaign to raise financial support for my dear friend Oleksii, who lost his left leg on October 27, 2024, while fighting in the war between Ukraine and Russia.

Life often throws challenges at us that we cannot change. One moment can turn everything upside down. This is what happened to us, but we refuse to give up.

My best friend is a true hero. He has always been the kind of person who steps up first to help, never gives up, and always keeps his word. When the war started, he didn’t hesitate to defend our country, fully aware of the risks and dangers.

Unfortunately, war takes a lot from people. For him, it took his left limb—but not his indomitable spirit.

My friend is the embodiment of resilience and courage. He continues to fight—this time, for the chance to live a full life despite everything.

Right now, he needs prosthetics to regain his mobility, independence, and the ability to pursue his dreams and goals. This is not just a physical process - it is a chance to fully experience life again.

Let me tell you a bit about him:

Oleksii is an incredibly brave and courageous man. He has dedicated half of his life to serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He just turned 30 this past September and had so many plans, ambitions, and dreams about his career and future. But a terrible tragedy struck…

During the defense of Toretsk, one of the hottest spots on the frontlines in Ukraine, Oleksii was seriously injured while saving his comrades. This injury resulted in the loss of his leg.

Words cannot describe the emotions Oleksii experienced when I visited him in the hospital after the amputation. His eyes were filled with sadness and despair. “What now?” was written all over his thoughts.

It’s hard, it’s terrifying—hospitals, surgeries, pain, acceptance of a new reality, and more pain.

I know how determined and persistent he is, and I have no doubt about his recovery. That is why I am asking everyone who cares to help raise the necessary funds. The amount is enormous for him and his family.

Every contribution, no matter how small, can help ease the stress and burden on his loved ones and friends.

There’s a long road ahead, with therapy, training, and the need for patience and perseverance. But I am confident Oleksii will succeed, and he will make those long-awaited steps.

Currently, he is undergoing daily rehabilitation, both physical and psychological, learning to embrace his new self and new life moving forward.

As a result of the rehabilitation and treatment, he received a basic mechanical prosthetic. However, it does not allow for full functionality. Due to the above-knee amputation, he needs advanced prosthetics, which cost more than $40,000.

I appeal to everyone reading this post: let’s help a person who stood up to protect the weak gain a second chance. Every cent, every word of encouragement is a step toward his new life.

All funds raised on this platform will be sent directly to Oleksii’s personal bank account in Ukraine, as unfortunately, this platform is not supported in our country. Additionally, all messages of support will be shared with him directly, as this campaign is being launched with his full consent and involvement.

Thank you, thank you, thank you—a thousand times, thank you to everyone. I am sending you all a big, virtual hug. May God bless us all!

With sincere gratitude, we deeply appreciate you for reading this and making any contribution.

Oleksii, you are our inspiration and example. I am with you, and together, we will overcome everything.