In April 2022, shortly after the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Oleksandr and his friend were stopped at a checkpoint in the occupied town of Chornobaivka and was told to hand over his car. Refusing, they were both taken into custody and tortured. Oleksandr's friend was released after a few days (and has since made a recovery.)

Two weeks later, Oleksandr's car was returned to the family covered in swastikas and Z symbols. The family feared Oleksandr was dead, like the many Ukrainians who were taken into custody and never returned during this invasion.

However, a month later, a hospital contacted the family. Days after being taken into custody, Oleksandr had been dropped off in front of the hospital severely injured and not expected to survive. After a month in a coma, he awoke and was able to tell the hospital who he was.

Some of the damage includes massive trauma to his skull, his nose broken, all his ribs broken, damage to major organs like his kidneys. His vision, memory, and mobility are all severely impaired and he will require lifelong care.

Six months ago, Oleksandr was supposed to have his skull fixed. While they waited for swelling to go down and for him to make a more robust recovery, his skull bone was sewn into his abdomen. This is a common procedure. But all the doctors capable of this surgery have left Kherson region and we must find another facility to perform this surgery.

Oleksandr is in great pain and desperately needs this operation. He defied the odds and lived. For us Ukrainians following the news every day, we know there are many like him. Some who we will never even learn about.

I am asking the community for their help in getting Oleksandr the means to have this operation. I have currently set the goal at $10,000 but this will fluctuate once we find a physician with the skills to do this. I am hoping to cover the cost of the surgery, travel within Ukraine (or Europe), and associated expenses.

My name is Violetta. I live in Seattle, Washington but my family is from Kherson oblast of Ukraine, most of whom remain under occupation. Oleksandr Baklan and his brother Sergei are close friends of my uncle's, so I am representing the family.

*Please contact me if you have any suggestions or can offer any help either in regards to getting him medical care or getting his story out there. He deserves justice. I can be reached at violetta (at) UkraineDefenseSupport.org

This fundraiser will be in collaboration with Ukraine Defense Support - Seattle Chapter and NAFO Rodent Division.




You can read more about his story here:

https://graty.me/uk/mi-zbilisya-z-rahunku-skilki-%D1%97h-fe%D1%94rverili-yak-meshkanczi-chornoba%D1%97vki-perezhili-okupacziyu-i-28-obstriliv/

https://www.ibtimes.com/ukraine-man-tortured-russian-soldiers-loses-portion-his-skull-photo-3684533

Short video of Oleksandr provided by his brother and kindly hosted by Ukraine Defense Support:

https://youtube.com/shorts/3B82z_dUyq4

This is the only fundraiser for Oleksandr, please report all fakes.