Mike’s medical mission to Ukraine

My name is Michael Penna, and I am a Critical Care Paramedic/Certified Emergency Nurse in Southern California. I am headed to Ukraine in May for a volunteer medical mission. 

I am volunteering with a medical NGO that is already on the frontlines in Ukraine, making a difference everyday. While there I will be working on an ambulance providing direct medical to those who need it most. 

I have dedicated the last 25 years to helping those in need. It has become a passion of mine and something I started years ago as an Eagle Scout and continued through my time in the Air Force. 

Working as a paramedic has given me the opportunity to help others not only in my own community but across the entire United States through various disaster deployments which include 9/11, hurricane Katrina, and the early months of the pandemic in New York City.

Deploying to Ukraine is a great honor for me as it allows me to answer gods call to help others. This will be my first time volunteering for a medical mission in Ukraine, and with it comes certain challenges including providing my own safety equipment and learning some basic Ukrainian.

This deployment is going to require more gear than what I currently own. The most expensive items will be body armor and kevlar helmet, that are easily over $3000. Beyond protective equipment, I am in need of medical supplies that has been requested no those already in country, including as many tourniquets that I can bring. 

I am requesting monetary donations so that I may purchase these items in the next few weeks. If you are a company willing to gift actual gear such as boots, bags, medical supplies, please get in touch with me to discuss specific needs.

I want to thank each of you for considering a donation to this mission. Your support of my deployment to Ukraine will not soon be forgotten. I will provide updates when I can so that you can see the impact that your donations are having.

Thank you again for your support.