As Russia continues to launch air strikes in Ukraine, some Ukrainian soldiers and civilians made a visit to the First Ukrainian Pentecostal Church in Erie to share what life is like overseas and how the Erie community can continue to show support.

Members of the Protez Foundation give first hand accounts of what life is like for people in Ukraine as the war continues.

The founder of the organization said, "Our goal is to help as many as we can possibly help, that includes military, civilians, ex military, of any age, anyone that we can help to give them implants."


The organization provides prosthetics and rehab to people who have been injured due to the war. They have gone from one building to four in the United States and Ukraine. They have helped over 800 people, but there's still 2,000 more who need aid. Procedures can cost up to $20,000.


Titana, one of the people they have helped explained, "I came to the United States for rehabilitation and to receive an implant, and to go through the process of recovery and so many life can receive some sort of normalcy."


Civilians and soldiers who have been injured said these surgeries will give them a second lease on life.
Voldomere, a solider who is also getting surgery said, "To receive a way to live my life more efficiently, and to come back to my family, to get some of my life back and to be able to inform people and share the stories."


Even years after the war began, seeing support from across the world is humbling for the victims. "It makes me really happy when I see and hear and we see the support really coming thought. It really lifts up our spirits and it gives us more strength to keep going and keep fighting and have a right to live", said Tatiana.


They have a message for people who continue to watch the war unfold. As Voldomere said, "I want everyone to know including all Ukrainians all over the world, what price it costs to the people on the front and to defend the freedom and that freedom is not just words, it's life, it's really meaningful."


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