In many ways, Mykhailo lives the life of a typical retiree. A quiet man, he keeps to himself in a simple house in a village in Ukraine that’s been his home for decades. When asked to reflect on his life, he recalls his career as a combine operator and speaks lovingly about raising his two sons.

Then, a mortar shell explodes in the near distance, rattling the frames of the windows, pictures on the wall, a cup resting on a table. In a moment, the façade of a seemingly peaceful retirement is shattered by the reality that Mykhailo lives with daily – war.

A Shadow of Loss and Sorrow

The first challenge that Mykhailo faced was becoming ill. His physical condition deteriorated quickly, and he lost the ability to work.

“When I got sick, I lost not only my physical strength but also my faith in my own abilities. Every day became a struggle against fear and hopelessness.”

He was already vulnerable and struggling to access the medical care he needed due to his lack of mobility. Then, the war erupted in February 2022, making his situation even more challenging and dangerous. Now living in daily fear of bombings and lethal explosions nearby, the prospect of accessing the care he needed felt even more impossible.

Tragically, the war claimed the lives of many of Mykhailo’s relatives, leaving him utterly alone, grieving, and with no family to support him. It was all too much – Mykhailo rapidly began to lose all hope of ever getting help.

“It seemed there was no way out, and I felt myself losing control of my life”, he admits.

An Unexpected Sense of Hope

When Medical Teams staff began working with the community in the newly liberated Kherson region, they paid a visit to Mykhailo in his home. He describes their arrival as something that felt “like a dream”–

“When doctors, nurses, social workers, and psychologists started coming to my home, my heart was warmed by an unexpected sense of hope. It felt like a dream – I couldn’t believe it was really happening. The number of helpers and kind souls who reached out to me directly seemed endless.”

Medical Teams staff provided Mykhailo with a comprehensive physical exam, prescribed individualized treatment, and offered him much-needed psychosocial support to process the loss and anxiety brought on by the war.

He received education about how to take his medication, and our staff ensured that he had an adequate supply of medicines going forward. He also received regular check-ups to ensure that he could continue to enjoy a healthy, full life amid the challenging circumstances.

“Every moment has become more valuable and vibrant, as I now understand how important it is to be healthy and live life to the fullest” he joyfully shares. “Thanks to Medical Teams, I’ve been given a second chance at life, and I’m not going to waste it.”

A Resilient Heart, A Bright Future

Mykhailo embodies the unwavering spirit of the Ukranian people, who have been impacted by chaos, destruction, and uncertainty for 3 long years – over 1,000 days of unrest have turned their lives upside down and shattered any sense of normalcy.

Though he may seem like a quiet, reserved retiree, Mykhailo’s speaks openly and beautifully about the future. He freely shows his heart full of renewed hope:

“Although my heart is filled with pain and sorrow from the suffering brought by the war, I still dream of a peaceful and happy life for myself and my loved ones. I hope for the restoration of the destroyed towns and villages, for the healing of the wounds of war that still leave deep scars on the soul and body of our people.”

His selfless prayer for the restoration of peace in Ukraine reminds us of your selfless support for those who have been devastated by war, in Ukraine, and across the world. Thanks to you, people like Mykhailo can wake every morning and see the beauty and promise of the world amid the harsh realities of war. Your generous support has proven yet again that, when you heal someone’s body, you also heal their soul.

You Can Help Build a Peaceful, Healthy Future

As the war enters its third year, we share Mykhailo’s hopes for the future – one that we can work to build together with your continued support.

“My hopes are rooted in faith in human kindness and a collective effort to build a future where peace and harmony prevail above all,” Mykhailo shares.

If you want to be a part of building that future for Ukrainians, please consider a gift today in support of all those who are still in need to loving, life-saving care. So far, we have provided direct support to over 69,000 people; help us continue this critical work so that we can realize the future that Mykhailo dreams of.