Jakob Kepka, a veteran of the Canadian Army Reserves and the United States Marine Corps, was wounded in the leg over twenty years ago. Despite undergoing six surgeries, his leg was eventually amputated in 2016. Rather than hold him back, this motivated him to keep pushing forward. Today, he rides his bike about 100 kilometers daily, hikes, and rock climbs using a prosthetic leg.

He completed his 1,200 km HopeRaising Expedition charity bike ride for Ukraine to show that disability is not a barrier to an active life and achieving one's dreams. The month-long ride from Krakow to Kyiv began on August 11 and concluded on September 11, 2024.

"My way of helping two years ago was to volunteer at the start of the war, initially as a translator for an American humanitarian aid foundation. Later, I lived in Ukraine for four months, helping to build a health clinic. Then, I returned as a paracyclist, hoping to inspire and bring hope to my brothers and sisters who have sustained life-altering injuries fighting for Ukraine's freedom," said Kepka.

The journey

The route took Jakob Kepka through various cities in Poland and Ukraine, including Krakow, Wieliczka, Tarnow, Rzeszow, Jaroslaw, Cieszanow, Nahaczow, Yavoriv, ​​Lviv, Ternopil, Kremenets, Rivne, Zviahel, Zhytomyr, Chernyakhiv, Malin, Borodianka, Irpin, Bucha, and Kyiv.

His mission was ambitious yet crucial:

1. Raising Awareness: Kepka aimed to bring attention to the rising number of amputees in Ukraine and the urgent need for prosthetic devices.
2. Fundraising: His ride sought to raise funds to meet Ukraine's increasing demand for prosthetics.
3. Skill Sharing: He hoped to attract foreign prosthetic experts to volunteer in Ukraine, share knowledge with Ukrainian doctors, and improve amputee care.
4. Reminding the World: Kepka's journey was a powerful reminder that the war in Ukraine is ongoing, with lives being profoundly affected each day.

"Foreigners should understand that Ukraine is suffering and bleeding not just for its survival as a culture, a nation, and a democratic state, but for all of us. Ukrainians' gratitude for not being forgotten is beyond words," said Kepka.

Along his journey, Kepka stopped in various cities, meeting with residents, local authorities, NGOs, and volunteer organizations to share his mission. He visited cultural landmarks, prosthetics and rehabilitation centers, medical universities, disability sports clubs, orphanages, and city councils.

"The biggest challenge wasn't physical," Kepka said. "Sure, there were stages that were uncomfortable due to heat or wind. But the hardest part was visiting soldiers in hospitals and rehab centers. At the end of each day, it was emotionally draining because I saw a gamut of emotions in the soldiers. Some were incredibly motivated to get back on their feet and live life fully — and they inspired me! They kept me going. But then there were others, and I could still see despair in their eyes. The whole time, I kept questioning if I was truly helping them, those particular men and women…"

The expedition kicked off in Krakow's Main Square in the Old Town, featuring various competitions and master classes with engaging participants.

A symbolic closing ceremony took place on Kontraktova Square in Kyiv's historic Podil district. Jakob Kepka was welcomed in the best Ukrainian tradition by the acting head of the Podil District State Administration, Mykola Dubovyk; deputy head, Vitalii Voloshkevych; chief of staff, Olha Boiko; heads of administration departments; children's artistic groups; and local residents. Honored guests included pupils from the Windy Mountains Home for Children and Youth, the Zernyatko ensemble, and young football players from the district school. To conclude, everyone joined in singing Mnohaia lita for the guests. The ceremony marked the final stage of Kepka's journey from Krakow to Kyiv.

"I have repeatedly emphasized here, trying to remind people in Canada that a brutal war for survival is still being fought in Ukraine," Kepka said. "I also traveled to Texas to spread the same message with the Elevate Ukraine Foundation, whose logistical support made the HopeRaising Expedition possible. I will continue to support Ukraine in every way I can, as long as I live, throughout this war and beyond, in rebuilding Ukraine. Ukraine is vital to the security and strength of Europe and the world."

Author: Sabrina Vaizer