Artem, Vasyl, and Dmytro have finally returned home after several months of intensive training and rehabilitation in the United States. They are full of strength, inspiration, and determination to continue living full-fledged lives.
The last few weeks in the United States were the culmination of their journey to recovery. Every day was eventful, from final training sessions with physiotherapists to attending important events.
Please read more about our defenders' final weeks of rehabilitation in the new digest.
Mastering prosthetics
Intensive training continues! The defenders actively work with physiotherapists, as mastering prosthetics requires proper training and muscle strength.
In addition to the basic skills of using a prosthetic limb, the defenders are learning how to fall and stand up properly, which is extremely important for everyday challenges. They also learn to walk independently with a crutch, on uneven surfaces, and outdoors. We are excited to watch their progress!
Meetings with partners and cultural program
Artem, Vasyl, and Dmytro had dinner with Aksenia Krupenko, a volunteer and co-founder of Future for Ukraine Foundation's partner, Revival Foundation.
The indifference of people in your surroundings and the sincere desire to help are the keys to the strength of will and the rapid recovery of our defenders. This week, Filaret of Philadelphia, Bishop of Philadelphia, Vicar for the Diocese of Kyiv, Luke visited them with words of support.
Our defenders took part in the annual meeting, the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), which brought together representatives of leading American companies. The meeting was attended by Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Jeffrey Payette, Deputy Administrator of USAID Mark Simakovsky, retired Lieutenant General of the U.S. Army, and President of ML Howard Consulting Michael Howard, among others.
Soldiers have also visited the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington, D.C., where they met with Borys Kremenetskyi, Defense Attaché Embassy of Ukraine, to discuss the current situation. They discussed possible changes in American policy toward Ukraine after the presidential inauguration.
Preparing to return home
Soon Artem, Vasyl, and Dmytro will be returning home. The men are seriously preparing to meet their loved ones, even finding time to get tidy and refresh their hairstyles!
At the end of the training, the defenders congratulated MCOP clinic’s specialists and the FFU board member in the United States, Colin Potts, on the upcoming holidays and thanked them for their help and support.
Back home again
We are very proud of our defenders, their courage, and their strong spirit! Artem, Vasyl, and Dmytro have returned home. We are happy to welcome them back to Ukraine, happy and full of energy!
We are grateful to everyone who supports the Prosthetics of Ukrainians program, the MCOP clinic’s specialists who accompany our defenders every step of the way, and our regular patrons, particularly, Vadym Stolar.
