'Such is life': Ukrainian newcomer released from hospital, staying positive after random stabbing
Ukrainian newcomer Ivan Pylypchuck isn't one to hold a grudge - even after literally being stabbed in the back.
Recently released from a lengthy hospital stay after a random attack at an Edmonton bus stop, and in spite of the painful recovery still ahead, Pylypchuck is looking on the bright side.
"I can't be angry. Such is life," he said. "Sometimes it's terrible, but sometimes it's perfect."
The morning of April 13 was the former for Pylypchuck.
Less than two weeks after moving his family to Edmonton to escape the war in Ukraine, he was stabbed by a stranger from behind while waiting for the bus on his way to his new job.
The man who attacked him ran away, leaving a 27-centimetre knife in Pylypchuck's back. Losing blood fast, he clung to the bus stop and called 911.
"I understand if I will lay down and don't tell anything to [911], I will die. So much blood, it's not a joke," he said. "And then I heard the police came, and came ambulance and then I fell down."
The knife pierced through his back into his chest, nicking his heart. The stabbing and resulting infection put Pylypchuck in the ICU for almost a month. He lost part of his lung and he remains on 24-hour IV antibiotics to treat an infection in his heart.
Still, he's not harbouring any bad feelings about the attack or regretting his decision to move his family to Edmonton.
"It happened because of [a] sick person, it's not because of county or city or anything else," Pylypchuck said.
And, he added, the bad experience hasn't been without good on the other side thanks to an outpouring of support from friends, family and strangers.
Since the attack, the family has found and furnished a new home for Pylypchuck to heal in – complete with the gift of a piano for his wife, a piano teacher.
"People who don't know me, who don't met me once, they just came and help," Pylypchuck said. "Yes, it was a terrible thing with me, but it's a perfect, wonderful, marvelous thing with everything else."
A GoFundMe raised more than $127,000 for the family. Unable to work for at least another six months, Pylypchuck said that money will help pay rent and bills while he continues to recover.
Police have not yet arrested or charged anyone for the attack.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Jeremy Thompson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.