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Twenty-three years ago, my wife and I adopted our son from Kyiv, Ukraine. His mother was Ukrainian, and his father was Russian.
We fell in love with the country and later co-founded GeeksforLess, a global IT services company, with my brother and a partner.
When the war broke out, we knew we had to take action. We raised money to help victims of Ukraine.
Now, we need your help.
We’re rallying together to support Volodymyr (which, coincidentally, is also my son’s middle name) in his journey to walk again. Even a $10 donation can make a difference.
So far, $14,000 has been raised but they need $28,000.
HelpForUkraine.club (501c) is committed to raising the additional $14,000. Every extra dollar beyond our goal will go directly to helping war victims. Every person involved in this charity works for free—100% of donations go to those in need.
Today, you have the power to change a life. Join us in making a difference.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
A Hero’s Journey: The Story of Volodymyr Nikolaychuk
After Involving Three FPV Drones, He Lost Both Legs
Twenty-eight-year-old defender Volodymyr Nikolaychuk (call sign “Pavuk”) has been receiving treatment at Ternopil Hospital since February 7 of this year. On January 27, while on a combat mission in the Donetsk region near Dachne, he was struck by three FPV drones, resulting in the loss of both legs. He endured 16 hours in tourniquets before undergoing a high amputation of his lower limbs in Dnipro on January 28. Additionally, he sustained a shrapnel wound to his kidney.
The recovery process is ongoing. Volodymyr has undergone 12 surgeries and is hopeful about receiving high-quality prosthetics. There is an opportunity for him to travel to Minnesota, USA, for prosthetics through the Protez Foundation. To expedite this process, his family and friends have initiated a fundraising campaign to provide him with the best possible prosthetic limbs so he can return to an active life post-rehabilitation.
Please consider donating to HelpForUkraine.club to support Volodymyr’s recovery and prosthetic needs.
His Military Journey
Volodymyr hails from Khoroshiv, Bilogirsky district, Khmelnytskyi region. He joined the military at 19 and has served in multiple battalions, including the 130th Reconnaissance Battalion, the 109th Mountain Assault Battalion, the 10th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade “Edelweiss,” and most recently, the 33rd Separate Mechanized Brigade. Before his current injury, he had survived multiple concussions and minor injuries.
He was a devoted soldier, consistently returning to the frontlines even after previous injuries. On January 27, while stationed near Dachne, he was ordered to check a shelter behind a cemetery to reposition a grenade launcher. As he moved across the area, he was suddenly struck by three FPV drones, all targeting his legs. Despite the excruciating pain, he managed to apply tourniquets and crawl under a grave’s wreaths to hide from further attacks.
He lay there for hours, knowing that his legs would be amputated due to prolonged tourniquet use. His comrades eventually located him, dragged him into shelter, and arranged for an evacuation.
Donate now to HelpForUkraine.club and be part of Volodymyr’s road to recovery.
A Fighter’s Resilience
Volodymyr’s journey through recovery has been arduous. After being transported to Dnipro, he underwent multiple procedures before being transferred to Kyiv and then to Ternopil. Despite his severe injuries, he remains hopeful and motivated, especially for his wife and their seven-year-old daughter, Evelinka.
“I immediately told my daughter that I was in the hospital, that my legs had been amputated,” Volodymyr recalls. “She responded, ‘It’s good that dad’s legs were cut off. Dad won’t go back to war, and we will attach new legs to him.’”
In addition to his family, volunteers like Alena Avakyan and her daughter Tatiana have been constant sources of support, visiting him in the hospital and lifting his spirits. The kindness and generosity of those around him fuel his determination to heal and regain mobility.
As Volodymyr looks to the future, he remains focused on rehabilitation and prosthetics. “I promised my daughter I would not only sit in a wheelchair but also walk,” he says.
How You Can Help
Volodymyr’s family and friends are working tirelessly to raise 1,000,000 UAH for his prosthetics. Your support can make a life-changing difference.
Donate today to HelpForUkraine.club and help Volodymyr walk again.