Zhanna Bezpiatchuk and Anastasiya Gribanova BBC 100 Women and BBC Ukraine
Thanks to Pam P.
Serhiy Petchenko lost both hands while defending Ukraine from Russian invaders in June 2023.
After surviving the bitter months-long battle for the city of Bakhmut, his injury came in a railway incident further from the front line.
It left the 42-year-old feeling helpless and in despair. After the amputations, his wife, Anna, had to remain by his side 24/7 for six months.
“What helped us survive is our love,” says Serhiy.
But it’s hard to believe he went through such an ordeal when you see him now, standing on the doorstep of a brand-new café, which he is about to open in Lviv, in the west of Ukraine.
He smiles widely, his arms – and hands – by his side.
Serhiy received two prosthetic hands and full rehabilitation at the Superhumans Center, a private clinic for people with war injuries, located outside the city.
At the same time, the couple received the training they needed to open a family business.
Serhiy says the centre gave him a chance to return normal life, while learning to live with a new disability.
At least 50,000 Ukrainians have lost limbs in nearly three years of war according to the Ukrainian Health Ministry – both soldiers and civilians. (continued)