Please share a few things about you.
Hi, I’m from Norway. I’m a medical doctor working part-time as a clinician, part leader for my unit, and part medical advisor for my department. I have a beautiful wife and three amazing kids. Currently, I have no pets, but clearly a dog person rather than a cat person. Fun fact: among my interests is behavioral science, and I once clicker-trained a guinea pig to do high fives.
When you’re not being an incredible supporter, what keeps you busy?
Work and family take almost all my waking hours, but I love reading and learning new things, if possible. I also like history, math, statistics, social psychology, behavioral economics, and good novels! In terms of taste in music, I’m a rock guy.
What’s the driving force behind your decision to support Ukraine?
Good question! I have a lot of opinions on several matters, but I’m mostly not very active in supporting every cause where I have an opinion. In the case of Ukraine, I was, of course, angry and appalled by the further russian escalation to a full-scale war back in ’22. What opened my eyes, though, was the incredible effort and skill shown by the Ukrainian people to defeat the barbarians.
The initial defense of Kyiv impressed me, and so did your president in his legendary responses, which I firmly believe are worthy of the history books. It made me understand that russia not only should, but can be defeated. The russian atrocities, unfortunately, further convinced me that every effort necessary should be made to cleanse the world of this terrorist state. The most important factor, however, was the heroism shown by the Ukrainian defenders.
And why do you support our fund specifically?
I first came across it when I read about the battle of Siverskyi Donetsk, where Max and his guys were part of destroying an entire BTG. This was huge news and made me happy just thinking about it for several days. So I decided to find out who supported him, came across Dimko, and realized that providing high-tech support made a lot of sense. When you took it up a notch by being more specific about your commitment to transparency, I decided to put in a lot more effort, as I like to feel certain that my help is actually going to make a difference.
Another reason to support you, being a well-run Ukranian organization with clear values, strategy, and great performance, is that people like you will make Ukraine flourish again after victory. Every part of human history shows this. Rebuilding, restoring, and renewing Ukraine will not be done by foreign organizations or Ukrainians abroad. The necessary development hinges on the same people who now organize the defense. Everything you do now, your values, skills, connections, inventiveness, and persistence are what Ukraine will need after victory.
What sets our fund apart in your eyes?
The biggest part is the level of transparency. I cannot say enough how important it is for someone far away to be willing to support me. Also, you have a clear strategy and initiative to collaborate with others. You have the characteristics of a well-run organization that is highly likely to reach your goals.
Which other UA charities do you support or follow?
I follow most Ukrainian charities. My support is usually rather limited, as being one person, there is a limit to what I can do. I do, however, help promote projects or persons I believe in and people whose voices, in my opinion, need to be heard more.
What is your message to the Ukrainian people?
Under the worst of circumstances, the world has been shown your courage, dedication, and heroism. The support among ordinary people is massive. Millions of us are willing to support you all the way to victory. I firmly believe in a complete Ukrainian victory and look forward to visiting your beautiful country.
