Our lives changed forever the moment we first learned about Michał’s condition. From the very beginning, his story has been one of courage, resilience, and hope—but it has also been a story filled with fear, uncertainty, and unimaginable challenges. Today, we want to share Michał’s journey with you, in the hope that you will stand with us as we fight for his future.
From a medical standpoint, Michał was not supposed to survive. The doctors gave us no illusions—he was not expected to live even a single day. Now, when they see him thriving and growing, they call it a miracle. And indeed, our son is nothing short of a miracle. But miracles require care, determination, and endless effort. This is why we are asking for your help as we continue this incredibly difficult fight—our fight for Michał’s life.
Michał was born with a rare genetic disorder, so rare that even specialists have never seen a similar case. It is an unknown, a medical mystery that no one has yet been able to solve. When I was carrying him, he underwent his very first surgery while still in my womb. At just 31 weeks of pregnancy, doctors noticed he had severe hydrocephalus, and immediate action was required. I gave birth to him on October 5th, 2021, and from that moment, Michał showed us, with every breath, how fiercely he wanted to live.
From the moment he was born, Michał faced the most critical battles. He could not breathe on his own and was immediately connected to a ventilator. But the challenges only intensified. He required urgent surgery to remove blood clots in his brain. During the procedure, complications arose—problems with intubation and severe blood loss put his life at risk. Within just two hours of surgery, he experienced additional brain hemorrhages and had to be taken back for a second operation. It was then that we were told words no parent ever wants to hear: “Prepare for the worst. Say goodbye to your son.”
We held our breath, bracing for the unimaginable. But Michał’s will to live was stronger than anyone could have imagined. He survived, and even in the darkest moments, he showed an extraordinary determination to fight for every heartbeat, every breath, and every small movement.
Yet survival was only the beginning. Even after his life was stabilized, Michał could not breathe independently and could not feed on his own. Our little boy underwent more surgeries in the first weeks of life than many adults experience in a lifetime. Each procedure, each hospital stay, left scars on his tiny body, but also revealed his incredible strength. Every day was a battle—not only for him but for our entire family.
When we finally thought we might return home, Michał’s condition worsened again. Another brain surgery was required, and the fear of losing him returned with a force we had hoped to never feel again. Throughout this time, his older sister watched and waited. She longed to hold him, to show him his room, to share the simple joys of a sibling’s love—but she had to wait, patient and understanding, as we navigated the medical labyrinth that held her little brother’s life in its hands.
It was only when Michał was two months old that he was able to come home. But he came home with a mystery—a rare genetic disorder that affects his development in ways no one can fully predict. Every day is a mixture of hope and uncertainty. We pray that rehabilitation and therapy help him develop as best as he can, and we rely on our unwavering belief in his will to live. Perhaps it is faith, perhaps it is Michał’s extraordinary desire to survive, but he is still with us, and we are determined to provide him with everything he needs to thrive.
Today, Michał continues to face challenges that require immense dedication. He is slowly learning new skills, achieving milestones that bring joy to all of us. Recently, he managed to take off his own socks for the first time—a seemingly small accomplishment that filled him with pride and us with happiness. Communication, once impossible, is slowly becoming a reality. He is beginning to interact with us in simple ways, showing emotions and reactions that remind us daily of his vibrant personality and resilience.
All of these achievements are the result of relentless work—by Michał himself, by specialists, and by us, his parents. We attend neurological therapy sessions twice a week, participate in alternative communication courses, and our dedicated therapist works with him daily at preschool using ACC techniques. Michał is also learning to take his first steps, and while he cannot yet hold his head up independently, with the support of our rehabilitators, he is making progress. Additionally, he loves hippotherapy, swimming lessons, and massages—all activities that contribute to his development and well-being.
Even with these successes, the shadow of illness is never far. Recently, Michał faced a serious infection. He developed a high fever that could not be reduced, and he was admitted to the pediatric ward. For a child with such fragile health, any infection is life-threatening. Supported by respiratory care, he fought once again, showing the determination that has defined his life from the very start. Day by day, he proves that he is willing to fight for every chance to live, to grow, to play, and to experience the world around him.
Despite the progress, Michał’s path remains difficult and uncertain. His development is closely monitored, and he requires constant therapy and medical supervision. Rehabilitation is intensive, exhausting, and costly—but it is essential for him to gain strength, mobility, and independence. Every session, every treatment, every visit to a specialist brings us closer to giving him the quality of life he deserves.
The financial burden is significant. The specialized care, regular therapy sessions, medical equipment, and daily needs require resources that go beyond what we can provide alone. Every contribution, every bit of support, allows us to focus on Michał’s recovery without the constant worry of whether we can afford the treatments that keep him alive and help him thrive.
Through it all, we hold on to hope. Michał has already surpassed expectations, surviving when doctors said he could not. He continues to show progress in small but meaningful ways. He is our little miracle, and we will fight for him with every ounce of our being. Every milestone, no matter how small, reminds us why we cannot give up. Every smile, every movement, every tiny victory is a testament to his courage and the love that surrounds him.
Our plea to you is simple yet heartfelt: please help Michał continue this journey. Your support ensures that he receives the therapy, medical care, and daily attention that are vital for his survival and development. Every donation, every act of kindness, every message of encouragement helps us in this ongoing battle. With your help, we can continue to give Michał a life filled with hope, growth, and happiness.
Michał’s story is one of determination, resilience, and the power of the human spirit. It is also a story that reminds us that even the smallest hearts can carry the strongest will to live. We are eternally grateful for the support we have received and ask that you continue this journey with us, helping our little boy reach his full potential and experience the joy and freedom every child deserves.
