Volodymyr Zelenskyy Awards Dr. Maria Hrycelak Medal
The president honored the medical foundation leader in New York City on September 23, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Awards
Live Poll
Do you believe individual citizens should play a direct role in providing aid to foreign nations?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded the Order of Saint Olga medal to Dr. Maria Hrycelak on September 23, 2026. The ceremony at the Ukrainian Institute of America recognized her humanitarian work supporting Ukrainian healthcare.
Why it matters
Dr. Hrycelak was honored for her leadership at the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America Foundation, which has provided vital medical supplies to Ukraine. Her efforts include coordinating international aid and facilitating remote medical assistance.
The foundation delivered 4 airplanes of medical supplies, sponsored 1 of 52 total ambulances, and funded a 500-gallon portable water tank. Dr. Hrycelak served at her Park Ridge medical practice for 43 years prior to this recognition.
The players
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
He is the President of Ukraine and serves as the head of state of the country.
Maria Hrycelak
She is a physician and the president of the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America Foundation.
The details
The foundation coordinates aid through public donations and a specialized telemedicine teleconference system designed to support remote medical care. Dr. Hrycelak has served as the president of the organization while maintaining her private practice.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: Dr. Maria Hrycelak received the Order of Saint Olga award.
October 2026: Dr. Maria Hrycelak is scheduled to retire from her medical practice.
Culture Shift
The Order of Saint Olga recognizes service to Ukraine, which functions as a state-level honor for humanitarian contributions. This award follows the established pattern of the Ukrainian government utilizing the honor to recognize civilian contributions to the nation's stability.
The recognition of a long-serving local practitioner highlights the active role of community medical professionals in global relief efforts. Residents may note that despite her upcoming retirement from private practice, Dr. Hrycelak will continue her humanitarian work.
The takeaway
Dr. Hrycelak demonstrates how specialized professional organizations can leverage resources to provide critical infrastructure to war-torn regions. Her transition to retirement highlights a lifelong commitment to humanitarian service.
What happens next
Dr. Maria Hrycelak is scheduled to retire from her medical practice in October 2026.
Further reading
For more stories on notable recognitions, visit the Awards section.
More information
To support ongoing relief efforts, visit the Ukrainian Medical Association donation portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Tribune.
Live Poll
Do you believe individual citizens should play a direct role in providing aid to foreign nations?
