Back to an Active Life: Oleksandr’s Rehabilitation Journey
This is the story of Oleksandr, a veteran from the Chernihiv region. While defending his country, he sustained a serious injury and lost his lower limb. The war changed his life, but it could not take away his determination to move forward. After the amputation, Oleksandr not only returned to an active life but also continued pursuing his passion for sport, discovering para ice hockey along the way.
With his own determination and the support of Ukrainian Red Cross specialists in physical rehabilitation and social adaptation, he improved his mobility and returned to the sport he loves.
Before the full-scale invasion, Oleksandr led an active lifestyle and regularly played sport. However, the war radically changed his life. While defending his country, he sustained a serious gunshot and shrapnel injury, resulting in the loss of his lower limb.
Yet even after the amputation, he did not give up his passion for physical activity and discovered para ice hockey.
After returning to sport, Oleksandr faced new challenges. Phantom pain, discomfort in his shoulder caused by intensive training, and difficulty walking due to limited mobility in his hip joint made it harder for him to move around and carry out everyday activities.
The veteran sought support from a Ukrainian Red Cross mobile rehabilitation unit. Specialists assessed his condition and began intensive rehabilitation sessions.
“After not walking for six months and then getting a prosthesis, it’s like switching from an old car to a new one. At first, it’s difficult — you don’t understand how to use it properly. There were falls and moments of frustration when nothing seemed to work. But thanks to the rehabilitation specialists, you learn and realise that you can walk. And that feels really great,” Oleksandr recalls.
His rehabilitation has enabled Oleksandr to train more effectively, take part in para ice hockey competitions, and continue developing in the sport he loves.
His family is now his greatest source of inspiration and motivation.
“I want the war to end as soon as possible so that our children no longer have to see this,” the veteran says.
Oleksandr’s story is an example of strength, perseverance and recovery — a journey that takes time, effort and support, as well as faith in oneself and one’s abilities.