Restore a Life, Help Zakhar

Zakhar Biryukov: Ordinary Men with Extraordinary Will

Losing a limb is a dark, painful, and depressing time in a person’s life, losing multiple limbs can mean the end of it all for most people. But we hope that this story will be the one of overcoming the impossible and finding a greater purpose in life. This is the story of a brave Ukrainian soldier who even after losing both of his arms, one leg, all of his teeth, and half of his face decides not to give up.

Zakhar Biryukov successfully passed the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Q-course and became an experienced soldier and instructor at the 73rd Naval Special Operations Center. Since 2015, he was mobilized in the Administrative Territorial Unit. He defended the country at the Ukrainian frontlines.

In 2019, Zakhar met his future wife Yulia through a brother-in-law. Despite being separated by hundreds of kilometers, they continued to date while Zakhar was serving in the SOF. After the end of the military contract, Zakhar confessed his love to Yulia and they got married. Zakhar became not only a husband but also a father to two beautiful children.

The young couple’s life bloomed and the family took a few trips within Ukraine. They lived a life they once envied. But on February 24th, 2022, things changed drastically, Russian army entered Ukraine and a full-scale invasion has begun in Ukraine. Zakhar’s wife and children were forced to leave the occupied city and flee abroad as refugees. Despite being separated from his loved ones, Zakhar knew his duties before his country and people and stayed to defend Ukraine. Unceasing rocket fire, missile strikes, and artillery shells were launched at Ukrainian territories daily but he defended his country selflessly.

On July 17, 2022, during a combat mission, Zakhar stepped on a mine that exploded on contact, the severity of his injuries put him in danger of dying. It was Zakhar's determination and the skill of his well-trained groupmate who, in 3 minutes, performed first aid so well that, according to the doctors, it saved Zakhar's life.

Zakhar suffered serious burns over his body, both of his arms and left leg were blown off, and he lost all of his teeth and part of his face as a result of the explosion. Through multiple procedures, doctors were able to save his damaged eye, but it is still not 100% clear if he sees clearly through it. They also fought hard to save his right leg and hoped that it can be fully rehabilitated.

But as we said this is a story about finding a greater purpose to live. A country hero who even after losing everything, still wants to fight and survive for his country.

Zakhar is still struggling, but he is now in a stable condition. He wants to get back on his feet so that he may carry on with his life and career, raising his kids and supporting his family. As he said himself "One should not die for their country, but fight for it"

Now we are faced with the tremendous challenge of finding a way to collect $510,000 to cover three bionic prosthetic limbs. We need your help to reach this goal and help this hero get back on his feet and be able to hug his family. We have already teamed up with A Step Ahead Prosthetics in Hicksville, New York which has donated the lengthy 12-month-long rehabilitation services. Zakhar will receive free medical visits, rehabilitation, fitting, and recovery services all thanks to the generous contributions of A Step Ahead Prosthetics Center.

By giving, you can save a life and give hope. We kindly ask that you donate and support Zakhar at this difficult time. Every contribution matters!