In the midst of the chaos and destruction caused by the war in Ukraine, the medics of MOAS are saving lives every day. These brave women and men are all Ukrainian, but come from diverse backgrounds while sharing a common goal: to protect and care for those affected by the conflict. Thanks to their incredible efforts, over 50,000 lives have been saved since the beginning of the war. Their stories, as captured in our book Sirens of Hope, show courage, dedication, and humanity in the face of immense adversity.
A Battle on Two Fronts
For Oksana Troyan, 33, the war is deeply personal. Born near the Russian border in a village that has been occupied since 2014, she has witnessed firsthand the devastation of conflict. Oksana’s young son grows up without her, but she pushes through her personal pain to save lives on the frontline. Working with MOAS since early 2023, Oksana brings comfort and care to the soldiers she treats, many of whom are grappling with both physical and emotional trauma.
She remains focused on her mission. “When you take a patient’s hand while they stare into space, you feel their pain,” she says. In those moments, she draws on her inner strength to remain composed, knowing her calm presence can offer a glimmer of hope to those who have seen so much loss.
A Lifelong Dedication to Medicine
Oksana’s story resonates with that of Nataliia Tarasiuk, 38, who also left her family behind to join the fight. Having worked as an anesthetist nurse for years, Nataliia’s skills have been invaluable in stabilizing the most critically injured soldiers. Every life she helps save strengthens her belief that each small victory brings Ukraine closer to peace.
Standing beside her is her close friend and colleague, Vita Ivakh. Vita, who comes from a family of medical professionals, has long felt the call to help. She and Nataliia form an unbreakable duo on the battlefield, each drawing strength from the other. Vita, too, feels the emotional weight of the war, especially when she sees young soldiers who remind her of her nephew. “Every time I see someone who has lost a limb, I can’t stop thinking about my family,” she confesses. But like Nataliia, she knows her work is essential to helping soldiers fight another day.
From Tourist Driver to Lifesaver
Not all of MOAS’s heroes come from medical backgrounds. Before the war, Myron Martyniv, 48, spent his days driving tourists across Ukraine’s scenic landscapes. Today, he uses his driving skills in a very different way—transporting critically injured soldiers from the frontlines to hospitals. Myron joined MOAS in April 2022, compelled by a sense of duty to his country.
Though his work now is far more dangerous, Myron remains proud of his role. “We live in good conditions compared to the soldiers in the trenches,” he says humbly. Myron’s focus is always on getting his passengers to safety.
Leading with Strength
Leadership is critical in such high-stakes situations, and at just 27, Alina Bilous is leading one of MOAS’s largest teams, overseeing the safety and readiness of about thirty medics and drivers. Originally trained as a physical therapist, Alina’s leadership skills have proven invaluable in managing the daily operations of her team, often under intense and unpredictable conditions.
Alina’s first months with MOAS were a whirlwind of fear and adjustment to the “military regime” of life near the frontline. “The smell of war is something you never forget,” she recalls, describing the mix of gunpowder, dust, and antiseptics. Despite the challenges, Alina remains determined to help as many people as possible, driven by her love for her country and a desire to see a free Ukraine.
Rock Stars Turned Ambulance Drivers
Sergii Bolshoy, 48, and Igor Sereda, 53, were once rock musicians performing across Ukraine and Europe. Today, they have traded their instruments for the wheels of an ambulance, working together to evacuate wounded soldiers from the frontlines. Their shared history as musicians has helped them navigate the new, often perilous, challenges of their roles in MOAS.
Sergii and Igor bring their sense of camaraderie to their work, often finding light in even the darkest situations. “We’re saving lives now, and that’s more important than anything else,” Sergii says.
Listening to the Stories of War
While our medics have found ways to cope with the emotional toll of war, many just like Dr. Inna Demiter, 31, often find themselves moved by the personal stories of the soldiers they treats. As a highly qualified doctor, Inna has learned to maintain professional distance when treating critically injured patients, but she finds it difficult to remain unaffected when soldiers confide in her about their experiences on the battlefield.
One patient’s story left a deep impression on Inna. A soldier told her how he had always carried his comrades off the battlefield, but when he was injured, no one wanted to carry him because of his weight. “He cried as he told me,” Inna recalls, moved by the soldier’s pain. Despite the emotional challenges, Inna is motivated by her desire to help her country survive this war.
Final Thoughts
The medics of MOAS are bound by a shared mission, but their personal stories reflect the unique paths that brought them to the frontlines. From Oksana’s personal battle to Myron’s shift from tourism to life-saving, from Nataliia and Vita’s unbreakable bond to Alina’s steadfast leadership, each individual brings a piece of themselves to this life-saving operation. Together, they represent the strength and resilience of Ukraine.
These stories, captured in Sirens of Hope, show that amid the horrors of war, hope persists. In every life they touch, they offer a reminder that even in the darkest times, humanity can endure.
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