Roman Kolpakov

He is the creator of social projects
that change people's lives:
Invataxi, Karjalis and Parishioners.
Find out his story and help him continue this good deed.

The path through trials

Roman's life changed dramatically after a terrible accident. A serious injury to his cervical spine called into question everything that had seemed important and familiar. But it was at this moment that his true mission began.

The story of overcoming

The story of Roman Kolpakov is a story of incredible strength of spirit, joy of life, and helping others. After a severe injury to the cervical spine, Roman not only survived, but also found the strength to help others.

Youth without limits

Roman Borisovich Kolpakov was born in Moscow in 1978. As a child, his parents instilled in him a love of travel, often taking him to visit ancient cities such as Vladimir, Suzdal, Tambov, Novgorod, and St. Petersburg. He particularly remembers his first trip to the Trinity-Sergius Lavra at the age of three — the atmosphere of the temple, the large ancient icons, and the burning candles made an indelible impression on him.

Until 1999, Roman’s life was typical for a young man of that time. His appearance matched his interests: long hair, a leather jacket, an earring — he was a fan of heavy metal and punk rock. He dreamed of becoming a musician, studied clarinet and piano at music school, but did not finish his studies. He enrolled in preparatory courses at Plekhanov University, but dropped out when a good job came along.

During his school years, Roman assembled and sold computers, worked as a courier, salesman, security guard, and warehouse manager. "My main goal back then was to earn as much money as possible and have fun," he recalls. He had many friends and a girlfriend with whom he seemed to have a serious relationship.

The moment that changed everything

In 1999, at the age of 21, Roman was involved in a car accident and suffered a severe spinal injury—a fracture of the cervical spine with damage to the spinal cord. Doctors immediately warned his mother that he was "not going to make it"—his chances of survival were minimal.

At first, Roman did not realize the extent of what had happened: "I thought I would lie in a hospital bed for a month or two and then be discharged and return to my normal life." But gradually, he began to understand — he was almost completely paralyzed, and even his neck was immobilized in a rigid corset.

His condition deteriorated rapidly. After a complicated spinal surgery, he was simply placed on a hospital bed with an old cotton mattress, and no one explained the rules of care to his mother. Due to the heat and immobility, huge bedsores formed down to the bone, tissue necrosis began, and contractures developed in the joints. Roman was rapidly losing weight.

Hospital conditions in the early 2000s were terrible: everything was broken and shabby, and rats ran around the wards at night. Seven patients with severe injuries lay in a stuffy little ward, and all procedures were performed there.

Mother support

The person who saved Roman’s life was his mother, Tatyana Nikolaevna. She had to quit her job and practically live in the hospital ward all those years, sleeping on chairs next to her son. She took care of him, treated his wounds, and did everything possible to help her son recover.

After two years, his mother took Roman home on her own responsibility—the doctors were afraid to take responsibility for discharging him in such a condition. By that time, he weighed only 38 kg, his arms and legs did not work, and he had non-healing bedsores all over his body. He looked "literally like a dried-up mummy."

The trials, fear, and anxiety for her son severely undermined the mother’s health. She passed away in 2009. It was thanks to his mother that Roman survived — doctors initially gave him a one in a hundred chance of survival.

When his mother passed away, her faith and hope for a better future remained with Roman. He continued to live and fight—so as not to let her down.

Finding meaning in pain

It was in the hospital that Roman found faith. At his mother’s request, a priest from the local church, Father Fyodor, began visiting him. He brought spiritual literature and talked with the paralyzed young man.

"After my injury, I went through a period of reflection, and I realized one very important thing: first and foremost, you need to do something not for yourself, but for others. It brings joy and gives you a completely different feeling about life," Roman reflected.

A year after the accident, Roman decided to be baptized. Father Fyodor performed the sacrament right in the hospital ward, when the future creator of Invataxi was almost completely paralyzed.

"Apparently, God needed to stop me, pull me out of the hustle and bustle of my former life, and make me think about the real purpose of life," Roman later reflected.

During the six years he spent bedridden in hospitals, he reevaluated many things. "Illness makes you think about yourself: why you live, what you have accomplished in this life, and what you have missed. For me, at least, that’s how it is," he says.

"I am a completely different person before and after the accident. My life priorities have completely changed. Many things that used to be important and meaningful to me now have absolutely no significance."

I don’t have a single friend left from my past life, even though I used to have many. After my injury, a couple of acquaintances came to visit me, but then they just disappeared.

The Swiss miracle

In 2004, a real miracle happened. Thanks mainly to donations collected via the internet and the help of one caring person, Roman was admitted to a Swiss hospital. The doctors were shocked by his condition: "How could anyone have let you get into such a state?!"

Over the course of six months, Swiss surgeons performed several complex operations, restored his weight, and healed his festering wounds. Roman returned home in a wheelchair—a huge improvement compared to his previous state of complete immobility.

Five years later, he had to fly back for another operation, and Roman saw how everything had changed — they were even recruiting "guest workers" at the university clinic. "Everything became like in our Soviet hospitals — negligence, irresponsibility, and rudeness."

First steps towards a new life

When he got back home, Roman learned how to code so he could make some cash. The first time he went outside, he felt awkward with everyone staring at him. Back then, people weren’t used to seeing people with disabilities, and it wasn’t as talked about as it is now. There were high curbs everywhere, and it was hard to get around.

Actively using the internet and visiting Christian websites, Roman realized that there was no platform for people who shared traditional Christian family values and wanted to start a family. That’s how the idea for a Christian dating site was born.

The project proved to be in high demand. People express gratitude for having established strong families thanks to this website. Currently, with nearly 74,000 members, the project has grown into a full-fledged social network called "Parishioners." People visit not only to meet new people, but also to communicate with kindred spirits or get advice from a priest in the "Questions for a Priest" section.

Love through serving others

In 2006, Roman met Natalia on Deacon Andrei Kuraev’s forum. She asked for help for a disabled girl, and Roman sent her the necessary medicines through Natalia. Gradually, their virtual acquaintance grew into a real one—first they corresponded, then they began to meet.

"We met six years ago on one of the forums. Natalya first came to my house so that I could give her medicine for a disabled woman who needed help. Then we corresponded for some time. Gradually, we moved on to real meetings, and after a few years we got married and had a church wedding."

By the time they got married, they had gotten to know each other, quarreled, and made up—the "adjustment period" had passed gradually. Natalia was annoyed that Roman stayed up late at the computer, but in the end, she herself began working late into the night.

Parents on both sides were initially skeptical about the relationship: "It won’t last. You’ll break up in a month." But the young couple passed the test and got married.

"What struck me most was that he never complains about his own problems, but solves the problems of those around him. He is always cheerful, optimistic, and open. I don’t notice his illness," Natalia says of her husband.

The birth of Invataxi

In 2010, Roman founded and became director of the non-profit organization Invataxi, which operates a specialized service for people with disabilities and develops other social projects. The idea was born from his own experience—he constantly needed to travel to a rehabilitation center, but ordering a suitable vehicle was extremely difficult.

"More than 10 years ago, I suffered a serious spinal injury. After that, I needed long-term treatment and rehabilitation. In particular, I had to go to classes at a rehabilitation center and undergo certain medical procedures. But, as you can imagine, getting around the city in a wheelchair is very difficult," Roman explained.

You had to queue up for a week, or even longer, to get a state-run social taxi, and plan your trips well in advance. What’s more, this service only operates within Moscow; they don’t go outside the city, and you have to get special vouchers. Basically, if you can’t get around on your own, it’s almost impossible to leave the house.

In 2009, we managed to purchase our first working minibus, which we converted to transport people in wheelchairs. We ordered special ramps and fastenings from Germany and had them installed at a specialized service center in Moscow. It all cost a lot of money and took over a year. We had to borrow money from friends and acquaintances and invest our personal savings, which we had set aside for medical treatment.

"After a while, friends started asking us to help transport their acquaintances or relatives in wheelchairs. Gradually, such requests became more and more frequent, and we were physically and financially unable to help everyone who needed it," says Roman. Over the course of several years, the fleet grew to four vehicles.

Serving as a way of life

Invataksi operates on the principle of providing a comprehensive social service. Drivers perform more tasks than in a regular taxi, effectively working as paramedics. They accompany passengers from their apartments to the car and back, as wheelchairs do not fit in the elevators of many buildings.

“In fact, this is a big problem. Our drivers not only sit behind the wheel, but also help passengers get out of the building, get into the car, etc. All this requires good physical fitness and certain human qualities,” Roman explains the specifics of the job.

The organization cares for a wide variety of people, including adults and children with various disabilities and orphans with mental health issues. Among them, the St. Sophia Social Home "Domik" occupies a special place. Its wards regularly visit the Center for Therapeutic Pedagogy, where they undergo rehabilitation. ANO "Invataksi" provides these trips, understanding the importance of continuity in the rehabilitation process for children with developmental disabilities.

In addition, the organization transports the Paralympic curling team from Ramenskoye to competitions, as well as wards of various rehabilitation centers. At the request of the Paralympic Committee, athletes arriving for the 2011 awards ceremony were met at the airports.

Some of the wards have special stories — for example, 16-year-old Ksyusha Busygina, who has cerebral palsy, saw her dream of visiting Moscow come true thanks to her participation in the "Christmas Tree of Wishes" campaign. Deputies gave her tickets to Moscow, where she met actor Roman Popov and Miss Russia contestant Anastasia Antonova. After a busy few days in the capital, the Invataxi service helped Ksyusha get to the train comfortably, organizing a safe trip to the station, taking into account all the specifics of her mobility.

"Usually to medical facilities for doctor’s appointments or rehabilitation activities. Sometimes to cultural events—the theater, concerts, or just to visit friends. In the summer, we help our clients go on vacation: we take them to the airport, the train station, or to and from their dachas," Roman lists the areas of work.

They often pick people up from the hospital—since 2013, free transportation upon discharge has been canceled for patients in serious condition.

Most trips are carried out on a charitable basis, as many of those in their care are unable to pay for transportation services. The organization exists thanks to donations and support from caring people.

Most trips are carried out on a charitable basis, as many of those in need are unable to pay for transportation services. The organization exists thanks to donations and support from caring individuals.

Pilgrimage project "The Road to the Temple"

As part of a non-profit organization, Roman is developing a charitable project called "The Road to the Temple," which offers group and individual tours, talks, and lectures for people with disabilities. Invataxi helps them attend prayer services for health and worship services in Moscow and Moscow Region monasteries.

"The main goal of our service is to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and expand their opportunities to participate in public life," Roman explains.

"Such trips are in high demand, because among people with disabilities there are believers who, due to circumstances, are forced to stay within four walls. Visiting Christian shrines is very important for a believer. People’s souls are drawn to the eternal and the holy," says Roman.

The project "Shrines Come to People with Limited Mobility"

In 2020, Roman launched a new project within his organization: if a sick person cannot go to a holy site, the holy site comes to them. An Invataxi driver brought the venerated icon of St. Gabriel directly to the home of Natalya Voronitsyna, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, in Pushkino.

This was the first case in the program of delivering shrines to the homes of terminally ill people. At the person’s request, a priest can also visit them along with the shrine.

Volunteering during
the pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Invataxi expanded its activities when the organization’s drivers became volunteers. People with limited mobility, who were usually provided with transportation services, found themselves in self-isolation, but their need for assistance only increased. Among people with disabilities and pensioners, there are many lonely people who, due to age restrictions and disabilities, were unable to go out shopping.

Invataksi volunteer drivers, who had official passes to travel around Moscow, began calling their clients to find out what they needed to buy and delivered food, medicine, and essential items free of charge to addresses in different parts of Moscow. Each volunteer had up to five to ten addresses per day. For lonely elderly people and people with disabilities, the volunteers became their only connection to the outside world, as they were unable to even buy bread for themselves.

The drivers already knew where each regular client lived, how fast to drive, and where the nearest inexpensive grocery stores and pharmacies were located. Dozens of disabled and elderly people waited for help every day, and the clients thanked the volunteers, often with tears in their eyes.

The Karjalis Project. An inclusive recreation center in Karelia

In a quiet and picturesque corner of Karelia, people with disabilities of any category can enjoy nature and take their minds off their everyday problems. Nearby there is a pine forest, lakes, a gentle ski trail, and beautiful rocks. The base creates conditions for full rest and mental rehabilitation for both the person with disabilities and their family members.

Rest and rehabilitation include walks along equipped trails in the picturesque surroundings of the village, physical activity in the fresh air, spiritual and psychological support, pilgrimages, and excursions. The base is already equipped with an accessible environment—there are ramps and a specialized bed with lifts in a small guest house, and water has been connected, but the project requires further funding to purchase specialized beds for the large house and to complete the accessible environment on the premises.

As part of the non-profit organization Invataxi, Roman is developing another important project—the Karjalis inclusive country retreat and rehabilitation center in Karelia. The project is designed for families with disabled members who experience fatigue and exhaustion, suffer from sleep deprivation and psychological pressure due to lack of rest, as a sick family member requires constant care.

Parents of disabled children suffer particularly, as they are unable to provide their children with a full life and need rest and recuperation themselves. For such families, the Karjalis project has become a real "light at the end of the tunnel."

Recognition of achievements

In 2013, Roman Kolpakov received the Grand Prix of the New Intelligentsia Award from the Moskovskie Novosti newspaper. "The winner was Vladimir Rudak, a director from Petrozavodsk and creator of the project ‘Rehabilitation of Disabled People through Cinema'. And then, based on the results of a public vote, I was completely surprised to receive the grand prize," says Roman.

At the award ceremony, the company ChipTrip presented him and his wife with a week-long tour of Switzerland.

International recognition

In 2014, Roman’s work gained international recognition. From September 24 to 27, he participated in the REHACARE-2014 international exhibition in Düsseldorf, one of the largest events in the field of rehabilitation and care for people with disabilities. At his booth, Roman represented his non-profit organization Invataxi and invited people with disabilities to visit Moscow, showing that the Russian capital is becoming more accessible for citizens with limited mobility.

Participation in the exhibition was an important step in promoting the ideas of inclusive tourism and international cooperation in the field of assisting people with disabilities.

Accessibility expert

Roman became an expert at the regional headquarters of the All-Russia People’s Front in Moscow and director of the non-profit organization Invataxi. He studied the experience of creating an accessible environment in different countries, including Finland and Switzerland, and spent almost a year working on issues related to its formation.

In his work, Roman drew on the experience of Finnish human rights activist Kalle Könkkölä (1950−2018), executive director of the Preddveri (Threshold) association, with whom he was friends. "When Natalya and I were travelling around the country, we had a meeting with one of the Finnish MPs. He is a wheelchair user and one of the active fighters for the rights of people with disabilities," Roman recalls.

Kalle fought for the rights of people with disabilities his entire life and was a member of the Finnish parliament for the Green Party for several years. His main achievement was that by 2020, all boarding schools and special institutions for people with disabilities had been closed in Finland.

"According to him, 20 years ago in Finland, the attitude towards people with disabilities was exactly the same as it is here now. And it was thanks to the persistence, patience, and determination of caring people that this wall of misunderstanding was broken down and progress was made. I think we have a lot to learn from them," Roman shared his impressions.

Kalle ensured that every person with a disability in Finland received a personal assistant, the right to use special taxis, and, for the deaf, the services of a sign language interpreter. In Helsinki, people with disabilities can take any bus, and 80% of trams are also accessible. Roman studied Finland’s experience and applied it to Russia.

As part of the regional project "Barrier-Free Environment," ONF experts led by Roman conducted a large-scale monitoring of the accessibility of more than 300 pedestrian routes in the Central District of the capital for citizens with limited mobility. Only about 55% of the pedestrian areas in the Central Administrative District were accessible for wheelchair users to move around independently.

"People with disabilities want to go to theaters, museums, cafes, just walk around the city, or come for business on an equal footing with everyone else," Roman noted, explaining the importance of the study.

Dreams and plans

There are plans to collaborate with the Marfo-Mariinsky Convent, which is visited by many children in wheelchairs. Roman would like to purchase a large bus to transport large groups of disabled people.

Roman has many plans for development. "Of course, to further develop the non-profit organization Invataxi and its projects. My second big dream is to open a hostel where not only wheelchair users can stay, but also elderly people with various health impairments who need specific living conditions and services. I want to follow the example of how this is done abroad, for example in Finland."

The philosophy of service

"Now, faith is the foundation of my life. And faith is loyalty and trust in God. And, probably, not just trust in words or thoughts, but loyalty proven in action."

Roman constantly feels God’s support: "Sometimes, against your will, events begin to unfold differently than you planned. But after a while, you realize that it was the best outcome. It’s as if the Lord is guiding us with his invisible hand."

When asked what it means to be merciful, he replies: "Helping your neighbor, compassion. To be merciful is to be with Christ."

"The main question to ask yourself in a difficult situation is not ‘why?', but ‘what for?'. As soon as you stop tormenting yourself with the question ‘why?', you start to live more easily," Roman explains his philosophy.

"In such a situation, it is important to learn not to feel sorry for yourself. If a person feels sorry for themselves or someone else feels sorry for them, they will treat people as consumers. It doesn’t matter if you are disabled or not — no one owes you anything."

"I think that illness is still a blessing. Illness makes you think about yourself: why you live, what you have done in this life, and what you have missed. For me, at least, that’s how it is."

"I don’t regret anything. There are lots of people who are in more difficult situations than I am," says Roman, recalling the bedridden patient who introduced him to his wife and who is now completely alone.

Call for help

The organization does not have any permanent sponsors, even though it is very much needed by the city and by special people. "We all want our world to become kinder and better. It is within our power to do so. Let’s start with changes in our hearts — let’s hurry to do good today. We cannot allow the lives of these people to change for the worse, we cannot deprive them of the opportunity to visit churches and monasteries, or even just to move freely around the city! Help us help those who cannot walk!"

"Our society is not entirely healthy. We often treat each other badly, and not just people with disabilities. People are fixated on themselves and their own problems, and sometimes they don’t see what’s going on around them," Roman reflects on the problems of society.

He notes positive changes: "Now, for example, a lot is being done in Moscow to make people in wheelchairs feel comfortable — ramps and special markings in parking lots have appeared. But the new rules are not always followed; a lot is done just for show. For example, they build ramps, but you can’t get up them in a wheelchair, or you drive around looking for a parking space, even though there are specially designated parking spaces for people with disabilities, but they are all taken."

"It would be good to introduce public control. If people with disabilities, for whom this urban environment is actually being developed, could participate in this process, it would be more useful, and budget money would not be wasted but would bring real benefits," Roman suggests a constructive solution.

"Unfortunately, the non-profit organization Invataxi has once again faced serious financial problems. There is no money to pay drivers' salaries or repair used and old cars," Roman states.

"First and foremost, the lack of employment and opportunities for self-fulfillment. Today, it is very difficult for people with disabilities to find work. But there are many talented, intelligent people among them who can benefit society," Roman notes, highlighting the main problems faced by people with disabilities in the country.

The tough challenges continue

Roman’s condition has now deteriorated sharply. In addition to spinal trauma, he has developed post-traumatic cervical myelopathy, cerebral circulation disorder (complete absence of blood flow in the internal carotid artery), joint contractures, and pelvic organ dysfunction.

Osteomyelitis is progressing in his left hip joint. Severe cerebral circulation disorders lead to constant hypoxia. The disease greatly complicates his ability to work, and the visual part of his brain has been affected.

Severe exhaustion has begun again—his weight has dropped to 42 kg. Roman is not being treated at any Moscow hospitals or clinics; doctors "pass him around because they are afraid to do anything." All medications are purchased at his own expense, and a lot of money is spent on treating deep wounds on his thigh.

A look into the future

Today, as Roman’s health deteriorates, his work becomes even more valuable. ANO Invataxi is not just a transport service, it is a bridge between the ordinary world and the world of people with disabilities. It is an opportunity for those who are confined to a wheelchair to visit a church, go to the doctor, or simply see the world outside their apartment window.

Any of us could find ourselves in the place of a person in a wheelchair. By helping Roman today, we are making the world a little kinder and more accessible for everyone. After all, true disability is not in the body, but in the soul. And Roman Kolpakov’s soul is healthier than that of many healthy people.

The story of Roman Kolpakov is a story about how light can be born out of the deepest tragedy, illuminating the lives of thousands of other people. A man who could have become embittered towards the whole world chose the path of service. Someone who could have closed himself off in his grief opened his heart to the pain of others.

"Everything depends on the person. Regardless of whether you are weak or strong, there is always a choice of how to act," Roman is convinced. His example shows that true strength lies not in physical abilities, but in the willingness to help others, even when it is difficult for oneself.

Each of my projects is part of my story and a response to the challenges I have faced. I want the world to become a little kinder and more accessible for those who need help.

Life-changing projects

Social initiatives born out of pain and faith in goodness

To fight and live, Roman needs support

Roman faces pain and limitations every day. To maintain his strength and continue helping others, he needs regular treatment, therapy, and medication.

Every donation is a chance
for Roman to continue his fight and help hundreds of people through his projects.

You can help someone who refuses to give up right now.

Basic treatment costs

Regular medical procedures that are essential for maintaining good health

Annual treatment at a specialized health resort

240,000 rubles per course

Comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery procedures

Craniosacral therapy

9,000 rubles per trip

Specialized therapy to relieve pain

Daily medications

Medications that Roman takes every day to maintain vital functions

Supporting the body

Nutridrink, Mexidol, Mildronate, Ginzhaleling

For the nervous system and sleep

Melaxen, Valdoksan, Valemidin

For the heart and blood vessels

Coracasan

Antibacterial and protective

Prontozan, Piobacteriophage complex

Support for the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys

Canephron, Hilak-forte, No-Spa*

Every amount helps. Together, we can help Roman continue his mission.

*and many other medications prescribed by doctors for daily use

Together we can do more

Support Roman in his struggle for life and the development of social projects

«To continue helping others, I need help myself. Significant funds are required for treatment and rehabilitation, which I do not have.
I also dream of developing my projects to make people's lives better.»

You can help develop the project in any way that suits you

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Автономная некоммерческая организация помощи в передвижении инвалидов "ИНВАТАКСИ"
ИНН: 7726485559
КПП: 772601001
Банк: Московский филиал АО КБ "Модульбанк"
БИК: 044525092
к/с №: 30101810645250000092
Счёт: 40703810570010000564

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