Elevate Ukraine Partners with HopeRaising Expedition
Elevate Ukraine is honored to announce our collaboration with the HopeRaising Expedition, an extraordinary project led by Jakob Kepka—a 67-year-old Canadian military veteran and leg amputee. Jakob’s journey is more than a bike ride from Krakow to Kyiv; it’s a powerful statement about the resilience of the human spirit and the critical need for support for Ukrainian amputees.
Jakob’s Story
Jakob Kepka’s story is one of remarkable perseverance. Raised on a farm in Eastern Ontario and having served in both the Canadian Army Reserves and the United States Marine Corps, Jakob’s life has been defined by service and sacrifice. Two years ago, as Russia’s war on Ukraine began, Jakob felt compelled to assist, despite his disability. He was determined to help, even when he feared that no humanitarian organization in Ukraine or Poland would accept an amputee volunteer. However, his determination was recognized, and he was welcomed with open arms.
While in Ukraine, Jakob noticed how new amputees looked at his “bionic” leg with a mix of awe and hope. This experience ignited a mission within him: to ensure that Ukrainian amputees receive the prosthetic care they need to reclaim their lives. Upon returning to Canada, Jakob sourced and donated over $100,000 of used prosthetic componentry, including some of his own.
Now, Jakob embarks on a new mission—the HopeRaising Expedition—a month-long bike ride from Krakow to Kyiv, starting on August 11th, 2024, and concluding on September 11th, 2024.
His goals are ambitious yet vital:
1. Raising Awareness: Jakob seeks to highlight the growing number of amputees in Ukraine and the urgent need for prosthetic devices.
2. Fundraising: The ride aims to generate financial support for the ever-increasing demand for prosthetics in Ukraine.
3. Skill Sharing: Jakob hopes to attract foreign prosthetic specialists to volunteer in Ukraine, sharing their expertise with Ukrainian physicians and helping to improve care for amputees.
4. Reminding the World: Jakob’s journey serves as a poignant reminder to the global community that the war in Ukraine continues, with lives being impacted and lost daily.
Jakob’s message is one of light amidst darkness. He wants to show the world that “no matter how dark the night—the light will shine”. He invites other cyclists and people with disabilities, to join him in this mission of solidarity and support for Ukrainian amputees.
Elevate Ukraine’s Role in the Expedition
At Elevate Ukraine, we are proud to support Jakob and his team throughout this challenging journey. We are providing and fueling the van that accompanies Jakob on his route. This logistical support is crucial in ensuring that the HopeRaising Expedition runs smoothly and that Jakob’s message reaches as many people as possible. The cycling route will take Jakob through various towns and cities, including Rzeczow, Lancut, and Cieszanow in Poland, before crossing into Ukraine, where he will continue through Nahachiv, Lviv, Ternopil, Rivne, Zhytomyr, and finally arriving in Kyiv. Each stop along the way serves as an opportunity to raise awareness, garner support, and inspire action.
Join Us in Supporting This Noble Cause
This project is made possible through the collaboration of Penta Prosthetics, Freedom Space, and the tireless efforts of numerous volunteers. Together, we are committed to ensuring that the voices of Ukrainian amputees are heard and that they receive the care and resources they desperately need.
We strongly encourage everyone to support the HopeRaising Expedition. Whether by donating to the cause or spreading awareness through social media, every contribution helps. Jakob’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and with your support, we can help bring light to those facing the darkest of times.
