MCOP Blog
Insights from our prosthetists about new technology, advances in prosthetics, & more
Operation Renew Prosthetics: Helping Ukrainian Soldiers Move Forward
June 20, 2023MCOP’s Commitment to Restoring Lives:
In the midst of the conflict in Ukraine, Medical Center Orthotics and Prosthetics has taken the initiative to restore hope and mobility to Ukrainian soldier amputees. With a deep-rooted dedication to enhancing the lives of amputees, MCOP launched Operation Renew Prosthetics. This program spearheads the provision of prosthetics, rehabilitation services, and comprehensive support to those who have sacrificed their limbs on the battlefield. In collaboration with esteemed partners such as Adventist Healthcare System, Future for Ukraine (FFU), and Revived Soldiers Ukraine (RSU), and Brother’s Brother Foundation, this endeavor has already delivered nearly twenty prosthetics to severely wounded soldiers.
Thanks to our partnership with the Department of Defense during the Iraq and Afghan wars, our prosthetists and orthotists garnered extensive expertise in treating limb loss due to combat injuries. We operated out of Walter Reed Hospital and provided prosthetics to about 1,100 US military amputees. Drawing from this experience, MCOP is now applying its knowledge to treat Ukrainian soldiers who have suffered from similarly complex blast injuries requiring prosthetic solutions.
The Power of Collaboration:
Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr Chaika was Operation Renew Prosthetics’ first participant. During close combat, a tank shell burst near his location, resulting in the loss of one of his legs. With the help of Brother’s Brother Foundation and Future for Ukraine, Oleksandr was provided with the opportunity to travel to the United States to receive treatment. Thanks to a very generous donation of parts for his prosthesis from Össur and Ottobock, MCOP produced his socket, and got him up and walking in less than 4 days.
Since Oleksandr’s visit, the MCOP team has donated significant time and expertise to treating more Ukrainian soldier amputees. These brave individuals will have the chance to visit our state-of-the-art facilities, where they’ll receive the best care, and cutting-edge prosthetics technology available. We’re excited and humbled to work with them and help them on their journey. It’s truly an honor to be able to make a difference in the lives of these inspiring individuals.
Transforming Lives, Restoring Hope:
MCOP and Operation Renew Prosthetics is on a mission to empower thousands of Ukrainian service members who have lost limbs due to the war. Our goal is to expand the program and create a state-of-the-art prosthetics center right in Ukraine, so amputees can access the latest technology, and receive the care they deserve. Together with our partners, we can give these brave men and women the tools and support they need to reclaim their lives and move forward with strength and confidence.
