I'm rowing across the Atlantic not just as a personal challenge, but with a deeper mission: to support Ukrainian medical professionals facing unimaginable hardships. My journey intertwines physical endurance with a commitment to raising funds and awareness for those bravely navigating the frontlines of healthcare in war-torn Ukraine. From senior anaesthetists in Kyiv to paediatric trauma surgeons in Dnipro, my goal is to aid in equipping these heroes with the essentials they desperately need.

Pushing Limits and Embracing New Challenges

I'm driven to see how far I can push myself and to learn new skills in an environment far removed from my hospital routine. The goal is to become strong and resilient, mastering skills crucial for survival at sea, especially if technology fails. This intense learning process is not only efficient but also enjoyable when you know your life depends on it.

Supporting Ukrainian Medics: A Mission Beyond Self

In moments of doubt and helplessness, my commitment to helping Ukrainian medics gives me strength. This endeavour goes beyond self-improvement; it's about serving a cause close to my heart and making a real difference in the lives of people I deeply care about.

Fundraising for Impact: My Ukrainian Medical Charity

My aim is to raise a significant amount of money for my Ukraine medical charity, supporting projects that will truly benefit my medical colleagues and their patients in Ukraine. Having worked closely with these incredibly resilient and skilled individuals, I'm dedicated to making a meaningful impact in their lives.

Strategic Support: Focusing on Key Areas and Leaders

I've chosen to concentrate on helping doctors in leadership positions who can effect positive change. By identifying fixable gaps and providing essential resources, we aim to significantly improve healthcare in critical areas.

Profiles of Resilience and Dedication

• Andriy Strokan: As a senior anaesthetist and Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Kyiv's Feofania Clinic, Andriy's leadership and medical skills are crucial. Together, we're addressing urgent needs like disposables for platelet apheresis machines and BIS Monitors for surgery.

• Viktor Rokutov: Leading the Paediatric Trauma Unit in Dnipro, Viktor's work with war-affected children is paramount. Our focus is on addressing their evolving needs in trauma and cancer surgery.

• Oleksii Horeglyad: As the Head of Trauma in Dnipro, Oleksii's commitment to saving lives under challenging conditions is inspiring. We're helping them acquire essential equipment like Ilizarov external bone fixators and vacuum dressings.

• Eugenia Polyakova: A bold obstetrician in Zaporizhzhia, Eugenia's determination in adverse conditions is admirable. We're addressing basic but critical needs like providing the right size surgical gloves for her team.

I have also written their stories so that you can appreciate what they have had to go through, as well as admire the strength of their character on my own website ukrivski.com

A Ripple Effect of Change and Hope

Despite the immense challenges, showing that the world cares can make a huge difference to the morale of Ukrainian medical staff. It's about adding humanity to their struggles and collectively creating a wave of positive change through our efforts.

Follow me and be part of the journey as I prepare to row the Atlantic 2025

Leo Krivskiy 💙💛