Yana Stepanenko: Running to Help

Yana Stepanenko is a symbol of resilience, strength, and faith in life. Two years ago, she took her first steps on prosthetic legs, and today she participates in the world’s most prestigious marathons to help those who also strive to return to an active life. Last year, Yana ran in the Boston Marathon to help Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Ryasnyi receive a sports prosthetic. In 2025, she is taking on a new challenge – the Tokyo Marathon. Her goal is not only to complete the 5-kilometer race but also to raise funds for sports prosthetics for 36-year-old Oleksandr Zhavnenko from Lviv. This time, Yana will be running thanks to the support of FC Shakhtar and Paulo and Kateryna Fonseca, which adds even more inspiration to her noble mission.

Oleksandr was a dancer in the folk ensemble “Mriya” before the war. It was there that he met his beloved wife, with whom he performed for many years.

When the full-scale invasion began, he could not stand aside. In October 2023, just a month after the birth of his daughter, Oleksandr joined the special forces brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, “Azov,” where he became a drone operator. His only goal was to protect his homeland and family.

Unfortunately, in October 2024, during battles near Toretsk, an enemy shell struck the position where Oleksandr was stationed. He immediately realized he had to evacuate, but after taking the first step, he fell—one of his legs was nearly severed. The defender applied tourniquets himself, which saved his life, but due to critical injuries, doctors had to amputate both of his legs.

Now, Oleksandr is undergoing rehabilitation and prosthetic fitting at the UNBROKEN Center in Lviv. His greatest dream is to stand on his feet again and return to the dance floor to perform with his wife.

Yana knows what it means to learn to walk from scratch, how important it is to have high-quality prosthetics, and how they can change a life. She has already shown the world that nothing is impossible if you fight and never give up.
In Tokyo, Yana will run 5 km not just for herself but for Oleksandr—so he too can regain his mobility, live actively, and most importantly, fulfill his dream.

Your donations will help raise funds for sports prosthetics not only for Oleksandr but also for another patient of the National Rehabilitation Center UNBROKEN. Every contribution is another step toward bringing our defenders back to active life. Together, we can help those who have sacrificed their health for our country regain the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.

Join the initiative, support Yana and contribute to the future of our defenders!