Skilled Ukrainian emergency doctors saved his life. Later, through the funded Medevac programme, he was transferred via Rzeszów to a leading burns treatment centre in Dresden. He underwent more than thirty operations — skin grafts, reconstructions, countless procedures, and long rehabilitation.
Before the war, Roman enjoyed ballroom dancing and played the accordion. Today, he dances again — in a special purple mask that protects his healing face. He learned fluent English and German after the tragedy, understanding that languages open the world to him. He now undergoes special rehabilitation for his hands in Lviv – where he lives with his caring father Yaroslav Oleksiv now – and dreams of playing accordion again.
H.E Mathernova adds, “During my recent trip to Lviv, I finally met Roman and his father. It took months to make it happen — between his surgeries and dance performances and my crazy agenda. It was the most moving encounter of my mission.”
A very special ten-year-old boy who lost his mother and his childhood — with such composure and grace. Smiling abs speaking about the future, already dancing another waltz in his mind.
Finally, she notes, “There is so much strength in Roman. So much light. For me, he is the embodiment of Ukraine — deeply wounded, yet never broken. At his next accordion concert, I’ll be sitting in the first row.”
Applauding Roman.
Applauding Ukraine.
