Frontline Journey: from Rubizhne to Siversk
Yurii Haivyk — a fighter of 111th Brigade, who fought in the hottest spots of eastern Ukraine. His combat path went through the cities of Rubizhne, Severodonetsk, Lysychansk, Siversk, and many other settlements. His first injury was received in Rubizhne — a bullet lodged in his back, but this did not stop him, and he continued to carry out combat missions. The second injury, sustained in Siversk, was decisive — the soldier suffered serious injuries that led to amputation.
"I got injured simply — an FAB (air bomb) fell nearby, and that’s all," — Yurii recounts. Despite the difficult situation, comrades did everything possible to provide first aid and evacuate him.
Rehabilitation and Assistance from PROTEZ FOUNDATION
After the amputation, Yurii found himself in the USA, where he is undergoing rehabilitation and prosthetics. Initially, he received a prosthesis at the Ukrainian center SUPERHUMANS, but due to issues with the design, he turned to PROTEZ FOUNDATION, a charitable organization that helps Ukrainian military personnel obtain quality prostheses.
"PROTEZ FOUNDATION operates solely on charitable funds, and this is a significant amount for prosthetics and rehabilitation of soldiers. A new group of 17 guys with various types of amputations is now coming to us," — explains Yurii.
He also notes that the hand of his new prosthesis is made by Ukrainian company Espar Bionics, which provides its technologies to the military for free.
Participation in the Washington Forum
Yurii became a participant in the forum in Washington, which he attended through connections made during fundraising events in Chicago for the prosthetic treatment of wounded soldiers. He believes such events are extremely important because they help the world not forget about the war in Ukraine.
"I am for Ukraine not being forgotten, not forgetting about the military and the wounded. The war is ongoing, and this needs to be talked about," — he emphasizes.
Future Plans and Support from Comrades
Regarding his own future, Yurii has not given definitive answers yet, but is confident that he will work on creating opportunities for other wounded military personnel.
"We will look for various opportunities, create something that will enable comrades to find employment," — he says.
Yurii also pays special attention to the memory of fallen heroes: "I want streets, buildings, parks to be named in their honor. That journalists tell more about the war because everyone on the front does heroic deeds. This cannot be forgotten!"
The path from civilian to soldier
Before the full-scale invasion, Yurii had no military experience — he managed a small construction company together with a friend-gear. But when the war started, he evacuated his family to a safe place and went to fight himself.
"My wife said: ‘Let’s wait and see.’ I moved around until evening, told her I’d buy some canned meat and return... that’s how I left, and they brought me back already (laughs)," — Yurii recalls.
Today he continues to fight, but on a different front — helping Ukrainian defenders get the necessary treatment, drawing the world's attention to the war, and believing in Ukraine’s victory.
Don't forget to support Ukrainian soldiers! If you have the opportunity to help, look for reputable charitable organizations that provide rehabilitation and prosthetics for wounded servicemen.
