A defender of Ukraine and an employee of Metinvest from Kryvyi Rih, Denys Honcharenko, has received rehabilitation support from the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation. Thanks to this assistance, the severely wounded soldier is continuing an important stage of his recovery. Rehabilitation gives Denys a chance to preserve the achieved progress and significantly improve his condition, surpassing doctors' forecasts.
"We learned about Denys's story from Metinvest, because both he and his parents work for the company. It is crucial for us to support this family. Today Denys is undergoing rehabilitation at one of the best centres in Ukraine – in Modrychi. Vitalii Shumei, who is also supported by the Foundation and FC Shakhtar, is receiving treatment there as well. According to Vitalii's father, they communicate with each other. We are pleased to support him and wish Denys strength and a speedy recovery," said Kseniia SUKHOVA, General Director of the Foundation.
Defender Vitalii Shumei is also undergoing treatment at the same centre and has received support from Rinat Akhmetov. Vitalii has already achieved significant results in his recovery, and this inspires Denys to continue fighting for his own healing.
"I am very pleased that Rinat Akhmetov supports people like my Vitalii and Denys Honcharenko and gives them hope to keep moving forward and get back on their feet. Today, I presented Denys with a shirt from the Shakhtar team. This young man deserves to wear such a shirt because he is fighting for his life," says Serhii, Vitalii Shumei's father.
When the full-scale invasion began, Denys joined the defence of Ukraine in the ranks of the National Guard. In 2023, during the battles for Bakhmut, he sustained a severe head injury from a mine explosion. His condition was critical: he could barely speak, was fed through a gastrostomy tube, had lost significant weight, and had almost lost his sight.
"The doctors told me directly: take him home because he does not have long left. I answered that it will never happen. For more than three years we have been fighting for Denys's life. At first he lost hope. He did not speak, but kept writing: 'Leave me, I do not want to live.' However, rehabilitation helped a lot. I am very grateful to Rinat Akhmetov for not leaving my son and helping him with rehabilitation," says Svitlana Honcharenko, Denys's mother.
His father Oleksandr, who quit his job to be with his son and help his wife, and his beloved girlfriend Yuliia were always there with Denys. After his injury, she consciously decided to stay by his side because she knew he would recover.
"At first Denys's parents told me: 'You are young, go and live your life.' And I said: 'No, I believe he will get back on his feet.' Not giving up is the most important thing. If you compare his initial state and how he is now, it is a great miracle. Everything is possible with support and love," Yuliia says.
Thanks to rehabilitation, Denys's condition has improved. He has gained weight, started speaking and eating independently, the function of his right hand has returned, he has begun walking with support, and his eyesight has come back.
"Financially it is very difficult for people in such situations. If it were not for charitable organisations, particularly the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, people would not be able to cope on their own. At home they simply cannot provide the necessary care. So this is extremely important work," explains Kateryna, a neurologist.
At present, the continuity of rehabilitation is especially critical – it will help Denys get back on his feet. Therefore, the support of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation is a key step toward the defender's full recovery.
"There are many men like this who need help. Nobody can tell how long it takes to recover. Rehabilitation is an individual thing. But support is very important," says Oleksandr HONCHARENKO, Denys's father.
