The main purpose of my 5 trips to Ukraine with Hands On Global was to take medical equipment to orthopedic trauma surgeons. At least on the surface, that has been the purpose. But I have come to the conclusion there is more than just this main purpose. My personal reasons: to see the friends I’ve made and let them know I support them with my presence; to continuously tell their stories; to identify their needs; and most importantly, to raise funds to continue the support needed in Ukraine. Without HOG donors, we would not have been able to do what we have done since the start of the invasion in 2022.
This trip had a new team member, Dr. Sid Moore. He has been on other HOG trips and now has added Ukraine to his list. The doctor to doctor interviews he performed allowed us to understand first hand, not only what the surgeons were doing and what they needed, but also how they were coping with 4 years of war. A summary of what I heard from these interviews is: they work 18 to 20 hours per day; they have to problem solve constantly to determine how to handle the complexities of the traumas they see; that resources are scarce and they need more; that they are so appreciative of what they receive. At the beginning of the invasion, many countries were helping, but they tell us now that support has significantly declined. The tourniquets are still needed; and at this moment surgical saws, drills, and wound vacuum devices are a priority on their list. SIGN FRACTURE CARE gives most of the medical equipment we bring and many thanks were conveyed for their support. When asked of the stress and the hours at their job, we heard repeatedly, “If not me, who?”
A few years ago, a HOG team visited Mahala, an orphanage for disabled children (11 to 23 years old). This word, orphanage, has an expanded definition in Ukraine. Many of these children have parents who can’t take care of their seriously disabled children or the court has taken the children away from the parents. Most of the children have severe cerebral palsy or permanent disabilities due to genetics and fetal alcohol syndrome. The number of children increased dramatically when 34 were evacuated from the Donetsk region in the east due to Russian control of 80% of the region. The new director said funding from various sources has helped since the last time we were there. But they still have many needs in order to continue to provide the best care possible. It was heartening to see there had been some improvements and renovations made to the facility. The HOG team was very impressed with the care, commitment, and compassion of the staff.
A new group we were introduced to was the spouses of missing soldiers. We heard from one source there are over 108,000 missing soldiers (the UA Loss Project states there are 97,938 missing and 11,618 captured (confirmed by names). We were able to attend one of their weekly meetings and were deeply moved by their stories and support for one another. The group was sponsored by a psychologist from San Jose, CA. It was organized by the Zhytomyr Community Foundation and was facilitated by a local psychologist. We learned this psychologist also works with soldiers who operate drones in order to help them address the emotional impact of their jobs. During our stay we met one man who had been in the military for only 6 months. He had been found to have a special talent for operating drones and was going to the frontlines to operate land drones the following week.
So many stories, so many experiences, so many friends. And all are fighting to retain their democracy. Everyone feels the impact of this war. Even those in the west who are working and trying to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst all the suffering. When Kyiv was bombed and a historical Cathedral was significantly damaged, I watched on a laptop with the staff at Zhytomyr Community Foundation the news of this bombing with all the pictures of fire and smoke. The devastation of this act of destruction is heavy on their hearts AND it is continuous. Merita remembers visiting the Cathedral, which was worshipped by both Ukraine and Russian orthodox faiths.
The Russian drones are striking and damaging Ukraine’s cultural and historical artifacts, as well as killing and injuring civilians. Drone and missile attacks are reported every day. So, I would rather be on the side trying to retain democracy and provide support, than watching on the sidelines and doing nothing. If you find it in your heart, mind, or soul to help; and want to support the medical doctors, soldiers, and civilians in Ukraine, please donate to www.handsonglobal.org. You can specify your donation for Wound Vacuum Medical Devices or Stop the Bleed – tourniquets. We are a 501 (c) (3) non-profit.
Slava Ukraine!
Cathy, Merita and Sid
