A decade ago, at the time of Second Lebanon War, Vadim Gooberman served as a combat soldier in the 890th battalion of the Paratroopers Brigade. During fierce fighting against Hezbollah in Aita-a sha'ab, southern Lebanon, Vadim got shot, and a bullet pierced through his chest, he was operated under fire and got rescued under heavy enemy fire in critical condition.
"If he survives, it's a miracle", said Dr. Roy Singer, who operated on him in the field.
Against all odds, Vadim came through and miraculously overcame the injury. It didn't surprise us, though - Vadim is an outstanding trooper and athlete, that trains in Muay-Thai boxing since his childhood. Not for nothing we call him "the Gladiator".
Survived and recovered, Vadim got back to the ring as a professional boxer, and three years after his injury, he won the Israeli championship. Vadim sought to elevate his career as a professional fighter and moved to Las Vegas, there he competes in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fights, and trains young fighters and youth at risk.
Sadly, last week, Vadim got severely injured once again. This time in an automobile accident. For six days, Vadim has been in a coma, from which woke up only yesterday. Vadim has no health insurance, and the medical treatment that he gets in the hospital in Las Vegas (UMC southern Nevada) is minimal, just in order to keep him alive.
Vadim now suffers from a punctured lung, a severe head injury and fractures all over his body.
Vadim needs complicated life-saving treatments in his lung and head, and he is also expected to endure a long recovery process.
Treatments and recovery costs are estimated as at least as 100,000 USD. Vadim's family members and friends are doing everything in their powers to provide the sum, though their financial capabilities are very limited.
Vadim's friends from the 890th battalion had gathered and are trying to raise awareness and collect the amount due so we could give back to him for all that he has done for us, for all that he has done for our country.
