Sasha’s story
Sasha served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine since 2016, before Russia’s full-scale invasion. A seasoned soldier, he had already survived two injuries and returned to the front each time.
One sunny afternoon, as he spoke to journalists about the latest attack, everything changed. A sudden blast. A flash. The camera tumbled to the ground. Sasha woke up two days later in a hospital bed with catastrophic injuries—his entire lower jaw was gone.
When Sasha arrived at the Canada Ukraine Surgical Aid Program (CUSAP) medical mission in Poland, he was consumed by anger and pain. He wore a mask to hide what he called his “monster face.” Unable to speak, he communicated through a red notebook, writing furiously. He lashed out in frustration at his family and the team trying to help him
But beneath the rage was a father who hadn’t seen his four-year-old daughter in a year. One afternoon, Sasha stood silently at a hospital window tearfully watching her play outside. He couldn’t bring himself to let her see him like this.
Watch the inspiring story of Sasha’s journey with the CUSAP team
The CUSAP surgical team spent more than 10 hours in the operating room during Sasha’s first surgery, rebuilding his lower jaw. The recovery was long, painful and complicated. Months later, during a second 10-hour surgery, they reconstructed his lip.
Photo credit: CUSAP
Slowly, Sasha regained his ability to speak and swallow. One of the most moving moments came when CUSAP received a video of him eating his first bowl of chicken noodle soup, thanking his “team of angels.”
Photo credit: CUSAP
In addition to being a devoted father, Sasha today is also a mentor and advocate. He’s helping other veterans rebuild their lives and is part of a committee creating recovery programs for victims of Russia’s war. Every month, he shares updates about his plans for a better future—for his daughter and for all Ukrainian children who deserve to live in a free and prosperous Ukraine.
Sasha’s journey is an example why your support matters.
With your help, CUSAP’s volunteer surgeons are bringing life-changing care to those who need it most.
Give hope and support healing today.
About the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF)
Founded in 1995, CUF has a strong track record of providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in the areas of healthcare, education and civil society. CUF collaborates with aid providers in Ukraine, Canada, and beyond to maximize impact and cost-effectiveness of your support.