The Journey

• What Happens: You’ll undergo an initial medical evaluation in Ukraine to assess your suitability for a prosthetic limb. This evaluation will include a thorough examination, and may involve taking photographs, videos, and X-rays to comprehensively document your condition.
• Documentation: All findings, including medical recommendations for a prosthesis, will be digitized and translated into Spanish. This detailed documentation is crucial for the next steps, as it allows the medical team at Institute Desvern in Spain to have a clear understanding of your case.
• Submission: These documents, along with the visual materials (photographs, videos, X-rays), will be sent to Institute Desvern in Spain for evaluation. The more detailed and comprehensive the information provided, the easier it will be for the team in Spain to evaluate your case and plan your treatment.
• Responsible: Uplus System, Ukraine

This step is vital in ensuring that the medical team in Spain has all the necessary information to prepare for your arrival and treatment.

• What Happens: Your medical records will be meticulously evaluated by the professionals at Institute Desvern in Spain. This evaluation includes a thorough review of all your provided documents, photographs, videos, and X-rays. The team will then determine the most appropriate prosthetic solution tailored to your specific needs.
• Evaluation Time: The evaluation process is expected to take approximately one week. This period allows the medical team to carefully analyze every aspect of your case, ensuring that the selected prosthetic is the best possible fit for you.
• Responsible: Institute Desvern, Spain
• Contact Information:
  • Address: Carrer Pont, 7, 08960 Sant Just Desvern (Barcelona), Spain
  • Phone: +34 933 710 108
  • Fax: +34 93 371 03 22
  • Email: institut@desvern.cat
  • Business Hours:
    • Monday to Thursday: 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM / 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM
    • Friday: 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM

• Initial Confirmation: You will receive a written confirmation for your treatment in Spain from Institute Desvern.
• Passport Submission: Brave Steps Association will request copies of the passports of both you and your accompanying person.
• Official Letter of Treatment Confirmation: Institute Desvern will issue an official letter of treatment confirmation based on your passport data.
• Submission to Ministry of Health: This official letter will be sent in PDF format to the responsible official in the Ministry of Health and to you.
• Responsible: Institute Desvern, Spain, and Brave Steps Association

• Hotel Booking: Brave Steps Association will handle the booking of your accommodation at Sercotel. This hotel is chosen for its convenient location and facilities that cater to individuals with special needs.
  • Address: Avinguda Generalitat de Catalunya, 2-6, 08960 Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona
  • Phone: 934 80 25 01
  • Website: Sercotel Hotels
• Confirmation Email: Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive an email confirmation. This email will contain all the necessary details about your stay, including the dates and room specifications.
• Special Needs Accommodation: We will ensure that the room booked is suitable for two people, taking into account any special needs you may have. This includes accessibility features and any additional accommodations required for comfort and mobility.
• Responsible: Brave Steps Association

• Budget Constraints: Brave Steps Association operates on a donation-based funding model. This means that our capacity to accept patients is directly tied to the available budget at any given time. We aim to cover all expenses for our patients, including accommodation, food, and daily transport.
• Limited Resources: Due to the reliance on donations, we cannot guarantee acceptance for all applicants in need. Our ability to provide support is contingent on the funds available at the moment.
• Alternative Financing Option: If our current budget does not allow us to accept you, there is still an opportunity for treatment if you can secure external financing for your one-month stay in Spain.
• Special Pricing Agreement with Sercotel: We have negotiated a special rate with Sercotel for our patients:
  • Accommodation Cost: 80 Euros per night for a room accommodating two people.
  • Daily Expenses: Estimated at around 30 Euros per day.
• Total Monthly Cost:
  • Accommodation: 80 Euros x 30 days = 2,400 Euros
  • Daily Expenses: 30 Euros x 30 days = 900 Euros
  • Total for One Month: 2,400 Euros (Accommodation) + 900 Euros (Daily Expenses) = 3,300 Euros
• Financial Support Confirmation: If we have sufficient budget at the time of your application, Brave Steps Association will issue a financial support confirmation. This document will be sent in PDF format to both you and the responsible official in the Ministry of Health. It serves as an official confirmation of the financial support you will receive for your treatment and stay in Spain.
• Responsible: Brave Steps Association

• Process: To travel from Ukraine to Spain for treatment, you need to obtain official travel permission from the Ukrainian authorities.
• Required Documents: The following documents are necessary to apply for travel authorization:
  • Treatment Confirmation: Issued by Institute Desvern, confirming your acceptance for treatment.
  • Accommodation Confirmation: Provided by Brave Steps Association, confirming your stay at Sercotel.
  • Financial Support Confirmation: Issued by Brave Steps Association, if applicable, confirming the financial support for your treatment and stay.
  • Train Ticket: Your ticket for travel from Ukraine to Poland, detailing your journey.
  • Border Crossing Information: The exact location where you will cross the Ukrainian border into Poland.
• Authorization Process: Once you submit these documents to the Ukrainian authorities, they will process your application. Upon approval, they will issue the travel authorization. It usually takes one week.
• Communication with Border Control: The Ukrainian authorities will send a copy of your travel authorization to the border control at the crossing point you specified. This ensures a smooth passage across the border.
• Responsible Entities: Uplus System, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Defence, Ukraine.

• Assistance in Ukraine: If you require assistance in Ukraine to reach the train station, please contact Brave Steps Association at least one week in advance. You can reach us via email at journey@bravesteps.org or by phone at +34 647 683 837. We will assist you with the necessary arrangements.
• Choosing the Right Transport: We recommend selecting a mode of transportation that accommodates your injury. Based on our experience, train travel is often the most suitable option for individuals with injuries.
• Train Schedule: The train departs from Kyiv at 18:30 and arrives in Warsaw at 10:00. This schedule is subject to change, so please verify the timings closer to your travel date.
• Responsible:Uplus Systems, Brave Steps Association

• Arrival in Warsaw: Upon your arrival in Warsaw at 10:00, Brave Steps Association will have arranged for your transfer from the railway station to the airport. This transfer will be tailored to accommodate any special needs related to your injury.
• Contact for Assistance: If you need any assistance upon arrival in Warsaw, you can contact Brave Steps Association using the same contact details as provided in Step 7: Email at journey@bravesteps.org or phone at +34 647 683 837.
• Lunch Arrangement: Brave Steps Association will organize a lunch for all travelers. This will be a time to rest and refresh before the next leg of your journey.
• Airport Transfer: After lunch, you will be transferred to the airport. We ensure that the transfer is comfortable and caters to your specific needs.
• Flight to Spain: Your flight from Warsaw to Spain is scheduled to depart at 15:00. Please ensure you are at the airport in time for check-in and any necessary security procedures.
• Special Assistance at the Airport: Brave Steps Association will book special assistance services at the airport to help you navigate through check-in, security, and boarding processes.
• Responsible: Brave Steps Association

• Comfortable Seating: Brave Steps Association will endeavor to book the most comfortable seats available for your flight from Warsaw to Barcelona. Our aim is to ensure that your journey is as comfortable as possible, especially considering any special needs related to your injury.
• Special Assistance at the Airport: Prior to your arrival to Barcelona, Brave Steps Association will arrange for special assistance services at Barcelona Airport. These services are designed to help you smoothly navigate through security, and passport control processes. Our goal is to make your airport experience stress-free and accommodating.
• Flight Details: Your flight is scheduled to depart from Warsaw at 15:00. Please be prepared for boarding at the designated time.
• Arrival in Barcelona: The estimated arrival time in Barcelona is 19:00. Upon landing, there will be staff available to assist you with disembarking and navigating through the Barcelona airport.
• Responsible: Brave Steps Association

• Arrival at Barcelona Airport: Upon your arrival in Barcelona at 19:00, you will be greeted by a representative from Brave Steps Association. They will assist you with any immediate needs and guide you through the airport.
• Transfer to Hotel: Brave Steps Association has arranged for your transfer from Barcelona Airport to Sercotel Porta Barcelona. This transfer will be equipped to accommodate any special needs related to your injury, ensuring a comfortable journey to the hotel.
• Hotel Details:
  • Name: Sercotel Porta Barcelona
  • Address: Avinguda de la Generalitat de Catalunya, 2-6, 08960 Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona, Spain
  • Phone: +34 934 80 25 01
  • Website: Sercotel Porta Barcelona
  • Facilities for Special Needs: The hotel is fully equipped with facilities for guests with special needs, ensuring a comfortable and accessible stay.
• Check-In Process: Upon arrival at the hotel, the check-in process will be facilitated by Brave Steps Association representatives. They will ensure that you are comfortably settled in your room and that all your needs are met.
• Room Specifications: Your room at Sercotel Porta Barcelona has been specially selected to cater to individuals with special needs. It is designed for comfort and accessibility, ensuring a pleasant stay.
• Responsible: Brave Steps Association

• Initial Days in Spain: The first week after your arrival in Spain will involve completing various formalities and beginning your treatment. You’ll be registered with the local police, obtain «empadronamiento,» and get a Social Security card. Although these formalities may take up to a week to complete, your treatment and assessment at Institute Desvern will start the very next day after your arrival.
• Visit to Institute Desvern:
  • What Happens: You will visit Institute Desvern, where you will meet with a specialized doctor who will assess your condition and prescribe the appropriate prosthetic treatment.
  • Address: Carrer Pont, 7, 08960 Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona, Spain.
  • Contact: Tel.: +34 933 710 108; Email: institut@desvern.cat.
• Transportation and Translation Services:
  • Provided by: Brave Steps Association
  • Details: We will arrange for your transportation to and from Institute Desvern. Additionally, translation services will be provided to ensure clear communication between you and the medical staff.
• Assessment Process:
  • Procedure: The specialized doctor at Institute Desvern will conduct a thorough assessment of your condition. This will include a review of your medical history, physical examination, and any necessary tests to determine the most suitable prosthetic limb for you.
  • Duration: The initial assessment and prescription of treatment will be completed promptly to avoid any delays in your treatment process.
• Starting Treatment:
  • Timeline: Treatment and the fitting process for your prosthetic limb will begin immediately following the assessment.
  • Support: Throughout this process, Brave Steps Association will be there to support you, ensuring that all your needs are met and that you are comfortable with every step of the treatment.
• Responsible: Brave Steps Association,  Institute Desvern

• Duration: The prosthetic treatment process can vary in length, typically ranging from one to two months, depending on the complexity of your case and the type of prosthetic limb required.
• Initial Fitting:
  • What Happens: After the assessment, the first step in your prosthetic treatment is the initial fitting. This involves taking precise measurements and creating a mold of the affected limb area to ensure a custom fit for your prosthetic.
  • Process: The prosthetist will use various tools and techniques to capture the exact shape and size of your limb. This may involve digital scanning or traditional casting methods.
• Prosthetic Fabrication:
  • Details: Based on the measurements and molds taken during the initial fitting, your prosthetic limb will be fabricated. This process involves selecting the appropriate materials and components to create a prosthetic that is both functional and comfortable.
  • Customization: The prosthetic will be tailored to your specific needs, taking into account your lifestyle, activity level, and aesthetic preferences.
• Trial and Adjustment:
  • Procedure: Once the prosthetic limb is fabricated, you will have a trial fitting. This is an important step to ensure that the prosthetic fits comfortably and functions correctly.
  • Adjustments: During this phase, the prosthetist will make any necessary adjustments to improve the fit, comfort, and functionality of the prosthetic. This may involve several visits to fine-tune the prosthetic limb.
• Training and Rehabilitation:
  • What Happens: After the prosthetic has been properly fitted and adjusted, you will undergo training and rehabilitation. This includes learning how to use the prosthetic limb effectively in daily activities.
  • Support: You will receive guidance from physical therapists and prosthetists who will help you adapt to your new limb, focusing on improving mobility, strength, and independence.
• Follow-up and Maintenance:
  • Regular Check-ups: Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to the prosthetic.
  • Maintenance: You will also be educated on how to care for and maintain your prosthetic limb to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.
• Completion:
  • Timeline: The entire process, from initial fitting to the completion of training and rehabilitation, may take anywhere from one to two months, depending on the complexity of your case.
• Responsible: Institute Desvern, Spain

• Ongoing Monitoring:
  • What Happens: Throughout your treatment and after the initial prosthetic fitting, Institute Desvern will continuously monitor your progress. This includes regular check-ups and assessments to ensure that the prosthetic is functioning well and that you are adapting comfortably.
  • Method: Monitoring will be conducted both in person while you are in Spain and remotely after your return to Ukraine. This ensures a seamless continuation of care and support.
• Remote Support:
  • Details: After you return to Ukraine, Institute Desvern will maintain communication with you to monitor your adaptation to the prosthetic limb. They will provide remote support for any questions or concerns you may have.
  • Technology: This remote monitoring may involve virtual consultations, telemedicine, or digital communication platforms to facilitate easy and effective communication.
• Three-Month Follow-up:
  • Schedule: Approximately three months after your initial treatment, you will be scheduled to return to Spain for a comprehensive assessment. This visit is crucial to evaluate your progress and make any necessary adjustments to the prosthetic.
  • Purpose: The follow-up visit is also an opportunity to address any issues you may have encountered and to ensure that the prosthetic is still fitting well and meeting your needs.
• Permanent Prosthetic Fitting:
  • What Happens: During this follow-up visit, you will also be fitted for your permanent prosthetic. This is based on the feedback and experiences you’ve had with the initial prosthetic and any adjustments needed for optimal functionality and comfort.
  • Process: The fitting for the permanent prosthetic will involve similar steps to the initial fitting, with a focus on long-term use and durability.
• Responsible: Institute Desvern, Spain

• Preparation for Departure:
  • What Happens: Once your treatment and follow-up are complete, and you have your permanent prosthetic, you will begin preparations for your return journey to Ukraine.
  • Assistance: Brave Steps Association will assist you in organizing all necessary travel arrangements. This includes confirming travel dates and ensuring that all travel documents are in order.
• Departure from Spain:
  • Logistics: On the day of your departure, Brave Steps Association will arrange for your transportation from the accommodation to the airport in Spain.
  • Support: You will receive assistance at the airport to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process.
• Transit in Warsaw:
  • Transfer: Upon arrival in Warsaw, you will be assisted with any transit requirements. This includes transferring between the airport and the train station.
  • Support: Brave Steps Association will ensure that you have all necessary support during this transit, including assistance with luggage and navigation through the station.
• Journey to Ukraine:
  • Travel: You will travel from Warsaw to your destination in Ukraine. The mode of transport will be arranged in advance, considering your comfort and needs.
  • Assistance: If required, Brave Steps Association will coordinate any assistance needed during your journey, ensuring a comfortable and safe trip.
• Arrival in Ukraine:
  • Welcome Back: Upon your arrival in Ukraine, you will be welcomed and assisted as needed. This may include transportation from the train station to your home.
  • Follow-up: Brave Steps Association will remain in contact with you to ensure that your return journey was comfortable and to address any immediate concerns or needs.
• Post-Return Support:
  • Continued Care: Institute Desvern will continue to provide remote support and follow-up as needed. This ensures that you continue to adapt well to your prosthetic and that any issues are promptly addressed.
  • Feedback: Brave Steps Association will seek your feedback on the entire experience to continually improve the process for future patients.
• Responsible Entities:
  • Travel Arrangements and Support: Brave Steps Association
  • Medical Follow-up and Remote Support: Institute Desvern, Spain