‍So why am I embarking on this 100 Mile challenge?

My main goal is to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with limb amputations, including medical costs, mobility struggles, and mental health. Estimates suggest that the war has resulted in over 80,000 medical amputations in Ukraine, affecting both military personnel and civilians. These figures underscore the severe human impact of the war, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive medical and rehabilitative support for those affected. At the same time, I want to shine a light on the incredible work of Seattle based Volia Fund volunteers, who are making a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need.

Running 100 miles represents the physical and mental struggle that people with amputated limbs go through in their recovery and daily lives. It’s a way to push one’s limits in honor of their resilience.

I hope that this challenge will inspire others either to join me on this run, start their own challenge and creates a movement, or just simply not to be indifferent by bringing together donors, volunteers, and those affected by the war in Ukraine into a shared cause that fosters unity and encouragement.

I hope the war will be over before I run the 100 miles on June 8th. Regardless of whether the war ends or not, people in Ukraine will continue to need support in many aspects. The humanitarian needs in Ukraine are as urgent as ever. People are still facing an ongoing war with displacement, loss, and trauma, and they need help to rebuild their lives. Fundraisers can help bridge the gap in assistance, ensuring that help continues to flow directly to those who need it most.

I’m honored to team up with Volia Fund 501 (c)(3) in the effort to raise funds for the Ukraine Abilitation Initiative (UAble), is a humanitarian program focused on providing comprehensive care and support to over 80,000 Ukrainians who have lost limbs due to war-related injuries. Its mission is to help these individuals regain independence and reintegrate into society. Through international partnerships with prosthetic specialists, physical therapists, and mental health professionals, the initiative enhances the skills of local healthcare providers, improving access to prosthetic care and rehabilitation. By fostering a "train the trainer" approach, the program empowers local professionals and aims to significantly improve the quality of life for individuals affected by limb loss in Ukraine.

Just in 2024 Volia Fund achieved notable successes, including fitting prostheses for 6 individuals with bilateral upper limb amputations and training 10 others on adaptive equipment. Additionally, 20 Ukrainian occupational therapists were trained to assist patients with similar challenges, and 5 prosthetists gained expertise in the latest technologies for upper limb prosthetics. The initiative also organized specialized workshops led by experts from the United States, focusing on rehabilitation for military personnel with vision impairments and providing mental health training for over 100 Ukrainian professionals. Through these efforts, UAble continues to transform lives and strengthen Ukraine's rehabilitation capacity.

Please visit https://www.volia.fund/projects/ukraine-prosthetic-initiative for more details.

Rebuilding Lives, One Mile at a Time

A bit about me…

I am a Ukrainian-American with three homes: Seattle, where I’ve lived since 2020 and now call home; New York, where I grew up; and Dnipro, Ukraine, where I was born. Each of these places has shaped me, and I carry them all in my heart. But right now, a part of my heart is being torn apart by the war that has consumed one of my homes for the past three years of full scale invasion. Throughout this time, I have supported Ukrainians in every way I can, and I have no intention of stopping.

At some point, I made the mistake of running a marathon, and now I can’t stop. With five marathon medals and one ultramarathon medal to my neck, I can confidently call myself a runner. So, I came up with a bold idea: to take on a 100-mile challenge, combining my passion for running with a mission to raise funds for a cause that is urgent, vital, and life-saving.

I would truly appreciate any support you can offer in this journey, but financial contributions will have the greatest impact as it will save lives.

That said, If you join me on a run, expect a sweaty hug and a smile - forced if it's after mile 50, but genuinely happy if it's before.

If you just high five me on my route it will make me smile! But if that high five comes with a $5 donation, I just might find the energy to run another 100 miles and with a $20 I might think the moon is not that far. You get the idea ;)

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The Route of Struggle and Resilience

100 Miles to Rebuild Lives: Strava Link

100 Mile Schedule

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