Stroke Survivors Receiving Care in Eastern Ukraine

Blood flow to their brains was temporarily blocked.

Ukrainian stroke survivors now battle for their own lives even as their fellow countrymen continue to fight valiantly for the life of their nation. With few other medical options available, these patients rely on visits from Samaritan’s Purse Mobile Medical Units (MMU) for critical care. The two roving teams—complete with general practitioners, nurses, a psychologist, and chaplain as well as a rotating cardiologist and endocrinologist—become a lifeline in areas not far from the frontlines of conflict. Our MMUs have had more than 58,000 consultations with over 6,500 patients with a wide range of ailments since 2024.

Medicine for Body and Soul

As Nadia* recovers from her stroke, she also deals with a hand injury and diabetes, which require medication she cannot afford.

The Mobile Medical Unit provided her with prescriptions that stabilized her health.

“I would never have been able to buy these medications on my own,” she said.

The welcome she received was a balm for her soul, too. Nadia says the Mobile Medical Unit’s greatest gift to her has been the kindness she experiences with every visit.

Purpose in a New Place

In addition to her health concerns, Nadia deals with the strain of displacement. She had been able to remain in her home near occupied territory for about three months after the fighting began. But when pharmacies closed their doors and her insulin supply ran low, she had no choice but to flee. She travelled mine-riddled roads from checkpoint to checkpoint in search of safer territory, until she was eventually welcomed into a dormitory where the fighting was less.

As she grieved the loss of her home, she found purpose in her new surroundings by wearing camouflage, knitting socks for soldiers, and making trench candles to support Ukrainians serving on the frontlines.

“Home is where we are,” Nadia said. “Perhaps we will never return to the place we once called home.”

Ultimate Refuge in Jesus Christ

Nadia’s faith in Jesus Christ has always been important to her, but after being forced from her home, it became an even more critical foundation. Today, she faithfully attends church and studies God’s Word, finding His peace that passes understanding.

“I have dedicated my life to God,” Nadia said. “Now all my time belongs to Him. At church I experience love, acceptance, and God’s presence. Everything is in His hands. When people panic because of danger, I remember Psalm 91 and remind myself, ‘God is with us.’”

She sees this truth in her current circumstances through the faithful care of the Mobile Medical Unit.

“The staff are so warm and respectful. That isn’t something you find everywhere,” Nadia said. “When you’ve lost almost everything, even a harsh word can wound you deeply. But here it’s different. They don’t just help heal my body—they restore my dignity. They make me feel like a person worthy of respect again.”

Health and Hope

Mykhailo* suffered a stroke before the war began.

A retired military pilot, he was determined to continue his life of service to his community, especially when fighting intensified in 2022. He organised food deliveries for his village and secured a generator for the town water pump after their electricity went out. His acts of kindness made it possible for the local water source to become a place where families could connect with each other, as well as charge their cell phones as war intensified around them.

But in 2024, Mykhailo experienced a second stroke that required hospitalisation and months of rehabilitation.

When he finally returned home, his village medical clinic was in ruins. It had been hit by shelling and was no longer operational. The nearest hospital was over 12 miles away, now only accessible by limited public transportation via a badly damaged road. For a stroke survivor requiring ongoing care, the situation proved exceedingly difficult.

But all that changed when the Samaritan’s Purse Mobile Medical Unit began coming to his village.

On the first day they arrived, Mykhailo was seen by our staff, receiving an electrocardiogram and various laboratory tests. Doctors and nurses reviewed his condition, prescribed treatment, and provided necessary medication.

“What impressed me most was that they had all the medicines I needed right there,” Mykhailo said. “These are medications I have to take every day.”

In a subsequent visit, the team also treated his high blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

“My overall health has improved,” he said. “My blood pressure is stable, my blood sugar is normal, and the medications—along with the respect and kindness I received—have truly made a difference.”

Our team also gave Mykhailo exercises to improve his coordination and reduce his stress after the stroke. As he did these regularly, he noticed steady improvement in his balance and mobility.

“The staff treat every patient with kindness and respect,” Mykhailo said. “They provide the medicines we need, which is also a tremendous financial relief. And because they come regularly, we know we can count on them and plan our medical care.”

Gratitude for God’s Protection

During one visit, Mykhailo received his own copy of the New Testament in Ukrainian. He never considered himself religious in the past, but the hardships of recent years have strengthened his awareness of God’s care in his life.

“I can see how God has protected me and my family through the shelling,” he said. “And I believe the arrival of the Mobile Medical Unit is also one of the ways He is caring for us.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone who makes this ministry possible. It has become an invaluable blessing for our village.”