"Ukraine is Alive and Kicking" - Twin Cities Nonprofit, Protez Foundation, Helps Fulfill President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Proclamation

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Dr. Yakov GradinarIn a passionate and heartfelt speech to Congress on December 21, President Zelensky thanked the United States for coming to the aid of Ukraine before and after the Russian invasion. He assured everyone, “Against all odds and doom and gloom, Ukraine didn’t fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking.”

The Twin Cities has a non-profit that is literally helping Ukraine "kick" Russia out of their borders. Protez Foundation offers free prosthetics for those who lost their limbs as a result of the war. Protez covers all the financial needs for a person to get the prosthetics: Visa fees, lodging and the prosthetics.

Once here in Minnesota, their volunteers host the patients and help with orientation, logistics and psychological support. We talked to Dr. Yakov Gradinar, Certified Prosthetist, Orthotist and Chief Medical Officer. We also spoke to one of Protez’s patients, Konstantyn Kopelyuk. Both gave us a look inside the Protez Foundation operation – it’s hard to look away after seeing the life-changing work they’re doing.

Interview with Dr. Gradinar: 

Q:  Why did you start your non-profit Protez Foundation? 

A:  Yury Aroshidze, our CEO, my family and the Ukrainian diaspora were helping a lot of Ukrainians even before the war. When the war started in February, we knew we had to help even more. We’re all doing - little by little - what we can to help Ukraine in this difficult time. I am very touched by seeing how much Americans step up and help Ukraine, which is 5,000 miles away. With all of our help, Ukraine will become stronger and further away from a post-Soviet mindset, become more independent and economically stronger.

Q:  A December 18, 2022 Washington Post article reported the Department of Defense has not yet leveraged its vast medical resources to help wounded Ukrainian troops. The next day, December 19, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal tweeted, "I’ll continue to fight to bring DOD's vast medical resources to help wounded Ukrainian fighters, including those who need prosthetics. Having met them here & in Ukraine, I’m moved by their courage & perseverance—grit, grace, & gratitude. America has the expertise & resources." Is Protez Foundation in discussions with Senator Blumenthal or the DOD to expedite potential funding and services for the 12,000 amputees awaiting prosthetics?   

A:  We have met various government officials, including U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar. We are very open to collaborate with the DOD, as a government contractor or other arrangements, if such an offer presents itself. As of now we have no discussions or introductions with U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, but are always looking for the opportunities to emphasize the importance of treating injured Ukrainians as soon as possible.

Q:  Protez Foundation has helped 30 Ukrainians in need of a prosthetic this year. The average cost of treating one patient is $15,000, and the average time spent in the U.S. for each patient is 3-4 weeks. How is Protez currently funding the compassionate services you’re providing these Ukrainian heroes? 

A:  We are running active fundraising campaigns both virtual and in-person. Many people donate via our website: https://protezfoundation.com/donate. 12,000 amputees are awaiting prosthesis – can your readers help them?

Q:  A partnership with OneStep was announced yesterday and it appears to be a true gamechanger. How did it come about?

A:  Yes, it is great news for our patients! Patrick Tarnowski, Chief Commercial Officer, reached out to me and told me about this App and right away I thought that this technology will help Ukrainians who are getting prosthetic fitting here in U.S. and going back to the front line, so we can track their progress and if they need adjustment we will bring them to our center in Ukraine. With OneStep’s app, when a person takes a walk with their smartphone in their pocket, even a 30-second walk (no wearables or equipment needed), the app collects a set of gait measurements. This allows for consistent remote monitoring in a patient’s natural environment and the ability to track multiple changes in motion over time. OneStep is enabling Protez Foundation to extend therapy and care outside of the clinic – with no boundaries, so they can reach patients wherever they are. OneStep’s gait analysis is the first to capture gait in a natural setting, and its ease of use contributes to making the OneStep gait database the largest and most comprehensive in the world.

Q:  Please remind us – how may we donate to Protez Foundation and follow your news?  

A:  The easiest way is via our website: protezfoundation.com/donate. Please follow news on our website and all our social media. Facebook, Instagram

Protez recipients at the December 14 Minnesota Wild Military Appreciation Night event

Konstantyn KipelyukNow we turn to our discussion with Konstantyn Kipelyuk, a 23-year-old Ukrainian soldier currently receiving care from Protez Foundation.

Q:  Please tell us a little bit about yourself. What is your hometown? Is the military your career or did you do other work before the Russian invasion?

A:  I was born and lived in Kovel in the Volyn Oblast region of Ukraine. I had been in the military earlier, I resigned in 2021 and worked in a classic Ukrainian restaurant. I volunteered again for the Army on February 24, the day of the invasion.

Q:  What is your job in the military?

A:  I am a machine gun operator.

Q:  Can you please tell us how you were injured?

A:  I was in a battle in Donetsk. I was finished with my shift and had been transferred back for sleep. A rocket blasted into our sleeping area and shattered my foot.

Q:  How did you find out about the Protez Foundation prosthetics?

A:  My sister saw an Instagram post about Protez. She and my family brought me the application. We filled out the form and got on a waiting list. 

Q:  You’ve been fitted with your partial foot prosthesis. How is it going?

A:  It is going very well. I’ve been here since early December and have rehabilitation every day. I go back to Ukraine on December 29. 

Q:  How is your family coping with your injury? 

A:  They all support me and the war. They know that we are fighting for our country’s freedom. You can’t have a war without injuries and deaths. I will rejoin the Army when I return to Ukraine.

Q:  Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about yourself or Protez Foundation?

A:  Protez Foundation is taking very good care of us. We are strengthened by our Ukrainian ancestor heroes who also fought for our independence. Please donate to Protez so that more injured brothers can be treated.