Oleksandr is fighting to recover in Ukraine

Victim of a blast

39-year-old Oleksandr Hurtov lives in a wheelchair. He used to live in Bilotserkivka, an area that has been greatly affected by combat and aerial attacks. Last May, just one day before his birthday, he survived a Russian drone strike near his home. He was inside the house at the time. He did not receive any medical assistance that day, but it is likely that he suffered a concussion from the blast wave.

After three years of war, nothing is functioning anymore in his neighborhood and many homes have been destroyed. Around a thousand people are still in Biletske, many living in basements, even with children. Oleksandr was evacuated to his sister's home in another area.

Learning to use a walker

Oleksandr has been using a wheelchair for a year and a half: For reasons still unclear, he gradually lost the ability to walk, and medical examinations have not yet identified the cause. Previously a coal miner and construction worker, he is now entirely dependent on his sister for care.
With the help of HI rehabilitation specialists, he is learning to use a walker and slowly practicing at home, so he can at least move a little. He also tries to do exercises on his own, squatting to keep his muscles from weakening.

HI helps him to move forward

“In the yard, we put down some wooden boards so that I can go outside in my wheelchair, but there's not much space,” says Oleksandr. “I can get into the bathtub by myself, although sometimes I ask my sister for help.” He continues, “My main needs at the moment are financial support, help with obtaining disability status, and ongoing rehabilitation. I want to be more confident using the walker.”

There is no 'social taxi service' (free taxis for patients) in the area, so he can only reach the hospital or the bank by regular taxi, which is very expensive. On one occasion, we was asked for 5,000 hryvnia (around $100), which he could not afford.

Oleksandr explains: "I hardly leave the house. I am living thanks to my sister's care and the support of HI. My life is very restricted now, but I would like the opportunity to receive proper assistance and regain some independence.”