A New Chapter for Prosthetic Care in Zakarpattia
At Heart & Art Ukraine, we believe in turning compassion into action. This spring, our team—together with partners from Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Global Health, and Mission for Ukraine—visited Uzhhorod and Mukachevo to check on the progress of our 3D prosthetics and rehabilitation project. Here’s what we learned and accomplished during our trip from March 31 to April 2, 2025.
Transforming Lives with 3D-Printed Prosthetics
We spent our first day at the Transcarpathian Regional Clinical Hospital (TCRH) in Uzhhorod, where our 3D prosthetics program is already making a difference. The team met with Director Yuriy Yatsina and Myroslav Lavriuk to discuss how our approach is helping patients—especially those who have never walked before—regain their mobility and independence.
One highlight: Four patients told us their new prosthetic limbs were as comfortable, or even more so, than devices they’d received from top European providers. That’s the power of innovation and teamwork!
Building for the Future
We also learned about exciting plans for a new, large rehabilitation center in Uzhhorod, which will further expand access to care. Our team delivered eight prosthetic feet, improved the 3D printing workshop, and offered to help with legal, logistical, and financial support as the program grows.
A Spirit of Partnership
A newly renovated rehab space at the Military Hospital in Mukachevo welcomed us and the hospital’s leadership team. Their openness to collaboration, especially under new leadership, marks a turning point for military-civilian partnerships in the region. The hospital is eager to refer more amputee patients for scanning, printing, and assembly of prosthetics.
Stay tuned for our next update, where we’ll share more about our visits to Mukachevo’s hospitals and how we’re working to meet urgent needs for children and families.