A Veteran from Vinnytsia Who Lost His Sight in the War Is Preparing for the New York Marathon

A veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war from Vinnytsia, Artem Bondarev, who lost his sight in battles in Luhansk region, is preparing to take part in the New York Marathon.

For training, he announced a fundraiser for a special treadmill designed for blind runners. This was reported by Suspilne.

Artem was wounded in December 2022 during combat operations as part of the 71st Separate Jaeger Brigade in Luhansk region. As a result of close combat and explosions, he lost his sight. After hospital stays, lengthy treatment, and rehabilitation, he had to learn how to live again.

“I was told that my sight could not be restored. I was afraid of what to do next and how to live, but thank God, the answers came quickly,” the veteran said.

According to him, the hardest part was accepting the new reality, but the support of specialists helped him adapt quickly. In particular, he began mastering life skills without sight, using a cane and modern gadgets.

Currently, Artem works in the human resources department at one of Vinnytsia’s enterprises and is gradually returning to an active life. One of the main challenges he has set for himself is running — an activity he was passionate about even before the war.

The veteran trains together with a guide and psychotherapist Maksym Marunkevych. Sessions take place once a week, using a special tape that helps maintain distance and movement synchronization. Already, Artem is covering distances of up to 10 kilometers.

Preparing for a full marathon requires more frequent training, but most gym treadmills are not adapted for the blind. Because of this, Artem and his mentor have launched a fundraiser for a special rehabilitation treadmill with handrails.

The fundraising goal is 150,000 hryvnias. So far, over 94,000 hryvnias have been collected, with 56,000 hryvnias still needed to complete the goal. The funds are planned to be used to purchase equipment that will allow the veteran to train safely and continue preparing for the marathon, which will take place in New York next year.

EMPR