Polina Buryakov Alexiou’s Dedication to Healing Lives Through the OUR Foundation

A Personal Mission to Heal and Rebuild

When Polina Buryakov Alexiou founded OUR Foundation, it wasn’t just the start of a nonprofit, it was the continuation of a deeply personal journey rooted in resilience, compassion, and unwavering purpose. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, and raised in New York from the age of seven, Polina never lost her connection to her homeland. But it was the brutal toll of the full scale invasion, the stories of lost limbs, lost lives, and lost hope that turned her heartbreak into action.

With a clear vision and a determined heart, Polina launched OUR (Organizing Ukraine Relief) Foundation, a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering Ukrainian war survivors who have suffered life altering injuries. Since its inception, OUR Foundation has become a lifeline for amputees, offering more than just medical aid. It delivers dignity, mobility, and the chance to dream again. Through a holistic approach to care, OUR Foundation offers customized prosthetics, physical rehabilitation, and emotional support, ensuring these survivors regain not just their mobility but their dignity and self-worth.

Transforming Lives Through Compassionate Action

OUR Foundation’s work is driven by a commitment to personalized care. Each person who comes through their doors receives a personalized care plan that includes, custom designed prosthetics, advanced rehabilitation, and physical therapy aimed at restoring strength, mobility, and independence. But the journey doesn’t end there. “We are not just focused on the physical aspects of recovery,” says Polina

“We don’t just treat limbs, we help rebuild lives,” says Polina. “Healing is physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual. Our goal is to help each person feel whole again.”

The foundation also focuses on addressing logistical challenges by coordinating travel, lodging, meals, and visas for treatment, allowing survivors to focus solely on their healing. This comprehensive, compassionate approach has made OUR Foundation a pillar of support for many survivors seeking a fresh start. Every aspect of care, from visas and travel to housing and meals is thoughtfully coordinated. 

The Power of Volunteers

OUR Foundation's success is built on a network of dedicated volunteers, from rehabilitation specialists and prosthetists to physical therapists to translators, aid workers and counselors. Each volunteer plays a vital role in making the foundation’s vision a reality. “None of this would be possible without the dedication and compassion of our volunteers,” Polina says. “Every person on our team plays a critical role in this journey, and their dedication is what makes transformation possible”.

A Turning Point in Polina’s Journey

Polina’s decision to launch OUR Foundation came from a profound sense of responsibility to help others during a time of crisis and one of the darkest periods in Ukraine’s history. As stories of wounded soldiers and civilian amputees grew more frequent, the need for support became clear. She realized she could leverage her network, personal connections and leadership skills to make a meaningful difference. Her dedication led to the creation of a foundation that would offer not only support but also hope to those who needed it most. 

What started as an emergency response quickly evolved into a full scale humanitarian effort, built on compassion and fueled by collaboration. Each life changed is a testament to the power of empathy in action. As the foundation grew, so did its impact. Every person helped was a story of resilience, strength, and human connection.

What Makes the OUR Foundation Unique

While other organizations focus on medical care alone, OUR Foundation is unique in its comprehensive and holistic tailored approach to care. OUR Foundation addresses both the physical and emotional needs of survivors, offering personalized care that extends beyond just rehabilitation. These efforts ensure that each survivor feels fully supported as they navigate the journey to recovery. This comprehensive approach to care has made OUR Foundation a true lifeline for survivors. It’s not just about treating an injury. It’s about restoring identity, rebuilding confidence, and helping survivors reclaim their place in the world. 

Our Foundation also Serves Complex and Underserved Cases. Many of the Ukrainian amputees who come through OUR Foundation have been deemed too complicated to treat in Ukraine and those who have not received prosthetics.Whether it's a complicated amputation or a soldier with PTSD and no family support, OUR Foundation is willing to go where others won’t, even when it’s hard. We have a personalized and human centered model. Every hero is treated as an individual, not a number. The foundation's small team of volunteers develops personal relationships with each beneficiary, customizing every aspect of care from the prosthetic design to therapy plans, to food preferences and emotional needs. 

Unlike large NGOs with administrative layers and delays, OUR Foundation is nimble and responsive. Because there’s no paid staff or bureaucracy, decisions are made quickly, and resources go straight to those who need them most. 

A Legacy of Compassion and Dedication

As OUR Foundation continues to grow, Polina remains deeply connected to the mission and the people it touches, she is involved in every step. “The relationships I’ve built through this work have become more than just professional, they’ve become lasting partnerships rooted in a shared sense of purpose,” she says.

Each success, every life transformed, every soldier who walks again, and every volunteer who gives without expecting anything in return serves as a reminder that no act of service is too small. OUR Foundation is a testament to the power of collective action and the extraordinary things that can happen when individuals come together with compassion and a shared goal. 

Support the OUR Foundation

The mission of OUR Foundation is ongoing, and the need for support and resources continues to grow. The foundation’s impact is felt not only by the individuals who receive care but also by the countless volunteers and partners who have united in the cause. 

OUR Foundation welcomes all forms of support whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness of their efforts. To learn more about how you can contribute to this transformative mission, visit www.ourfoundationusa.org or follow the foundation on Instagram and Facebook.

By supporting OUR Foundation, you’re helping restore lives, dignity, hope, and a future to those in need.