Orthoses: getting wounded soldiers back to normal life Yet another success by Viva-MTS and the “Soldier’s home”: the story of 22-year-old Hayk

Hayk, 22-year-old, used to dream of becoming a film actor or embark on a model’s career before being drafted in the army, and had even managed to play some bit roles. Following a wound received from a drone attack during the 44-day war, the young man from Tavush had to reconsider life plans. His priorities have changed beyond his will; now he needs to stand back on his feet, make his steps firmer and think of getting another profession. Hayk now knows there is more struggle beyond the battlefield and he needs willpower to stand back on his feet to win over life circumstances by all means. Hayk says with some reserved pride that his name, Hayk, that of the Armenians’ forefather Hayk Nahapet, is somewhat obliging. Hayk is now thinking of becoming a lawyer and is already getting professional education.

“We live in a country where war cannot be ruled out and so men and women of all ages, all of us, have to be prepared for it. A person starts knowing oneself only in extreme situations and has to help another person. I have discovered myself and now I know I start acting as I have to. I would act exactly as I did, if I knew what was there awaiting me on the battlefield,” Hayk says.

For over a year now, Viva-MTS and the “Soldier’s home” charity non-governmental organization have committed to provide orthoses to soldiers, who were injured during the 44-day war. Hayk is one of the patients getting treatment as part of the program. The path that Hayk and other young men, who have succeeded in their treatment programs have already passed, is an inspiration for the partner organizations. The 3-year program is underway, with a firm commitment to have the young men back to normal life.

Hayk prefers acting and showing willpower; to achieve his goals, he travels to Yerevan to get the treatment at the rehabilitation center. He regularly goes to gym sure that he will get the needed support there, too. Hayk is a most welcomed patron there and gets the services free of charge. And the technologies at hand let him reach out to his kinesitherapy doctors at the “Soldier’s home” via videocall, in case a professional advice is needed. The modern orthosis helps him fix his feet in an anatomically proper position, easing the load on his injured joints, limbs, and spine.

Hayk’s optimism to win by all means is justified: thanks to the orthosis he now learns to walk without a support. The commitment he shows inspires the partners and the specialists of the program. Hayk says he has not thought about starting a family yet; he is now fully focused on getting vocational education.

In 2021 Viva-MTS allotted AMD120 mln for the 3-year program implemented by the “Soldier’s home” charity non-governmental organization.