In mid-June 2024, something was amiss with our daughter, Amelka. She started experiencing morning vomiting and tilting her head to one side. Initially, we tried to remain calm, hoping it was a temporary issue, but as her condition deteriorated, we realized we couldn’t delay any longer. We took her to the doctor, who suggested it might be a vertebrae issue. We were advised to keep an eye on her, but Amelka’s health continued to decline.
With our daughter losing weight and her health worsening, we could no longer wait. We rushed her to the hospital, but even there, we struggled to find the answers we desperately sought. Fear enveloped us as we witnessed Amelka’s condition worsen, and we knew we had to seek assistance from a larger medical facility.
On July 2nd, we took Amelka to the hospital in Olsztyn, where she underwent an MRI. I will never forget the moment we received the results. Holding my daughter in my arms, tears streaming down my face, I struggled to grasp what the doctor was saying. The MRI had uncovered a tumor in Amelka’s head. It felt as if the ground had been pulled from beneath me.
That same day, Amelka was swiftly moved to the Children’s Memorial Health Institute, and surgery was scheduled for the following day. The memories of those moments are difficult to revisit. Amelka’s cries as she emerged from the operating room, in excruciating pain, still haunt me. I felt powerless to help her, and it broke my heart.
The pain didn’t end there. When the histopathology results arrived, we faced another devastating blow. Amelka was moved to the oncology ward, but just a day later, she was returned to the neurology ward due to hydrocephalus, necessitating shunt surgery. I felt as though I was ensnared in a nightmare from which I couldn’t awaken.
Once Amelka’s condition stabilized, we re-entered the oncology ward. The sight of so many small, bald children battling for their lives shattered my heart. It was then that I truly comprehended the depths of despair. Amelka began chemotherapy, but her delicate body could only endure two doses. The medications were too harsh for her, and she fell into critical condition twice. The doctors bluntly advised us to prepare for the worst.
Yet, in the face of such overwhelming challenges, Amelka’s courageous spirit fought back. Her strength defied expectations, leading the doctors to decide to halt chemotherapy and initiate radiation therapy instead. During this period, I felt a new, tiny heart blossoming within me, filled with love and hope. Amelka’s grandmother has been by her side during these radiation sessions, as my health prevents me from being there. Each day apart from her is agony, and I eagerly count down the days until I can hold my little warrior again.
We are uncertain about what the future holds for Amelka. The path ahead is fraught with challenges. More treatments and rehabilitation await us, and we are bracing ourselves for the toughest battle of our lives. But one thing is clear: we will not abandon our daughter. We will fight for her with every ounce of strength we possess.
That’s why we are reaching out to you. Amelka’s journey is far from over, and we need your support to continue the fight for her health. Every donation, no matter how small, will significantly impact her battle. It will assist in covering the costs of her ongoing treatments, therapies, and the support she needs to recover and thrive. Every penny counts as we strive to save our daughter’s life.
Amelka is our hero. She has shown us what true courage and resilience look like, and we will do everything in our power to support her through this. Thank you for being part of her fight. Your generosity and kindness provide us with hope and strength as we navigate this challenging journey. Together, we can help Amelka triumph in this battle.
