The moment we learned that we were expecting Michałek, we could never have imagined the difficult road ahead. We eagerly awaited his arrival, spending months preparing for his birth, choosing his name, and dreaming of the life we would have together. But from the very beginning, Michałek’s life was in danger. During labor, before we had even seen his face, our son had to fight for his life. His tiny body almost went cold, and we came perilously close to losing him before we even had the chance to hold him in our arms.
Michałek’s birth wasn’t the joyful occasion we had envisioned. He was immediately transported to a specialist hospital in Gdańsk, where doctors fought to keep him alive. The doctors made the decision to use therapeutic hypothermia, a treatment aimed at protecting his brain from further damage. But on the third day, his condition worsened. An echocardiogram revealed fluid in his pericardial sac, and when we saw him the next day, our hearts sank. Michałek was tiny, helpless, and hooked up to countless machines. He lay there, vulnerable and fragile, and we were overwhelmed by despair. Tears filled our eyes as we watched him fight for life.
It wasn’t until six long days later that we were finally allowed to touch him. He was so small, so delicate, that we were terrified of hurting him with even the slightest touch. But the hardest part was the diagnosis the doctors gave us. They told us that Michałek had suffered oxygen deprivation during labor, and that his brain had been damaged. We were told that we didn’t know how his development would unfold, but it was likely he wouldn’t be able to sit up, roll over, or crawl. Our world felt like it was collapsing in that moment, and the fear we felt was overwhelming.
But despite the overwhelming odds, we refused to give up on Michałek. We began our fight for his future, determined to give him every chance at a happy and fulfilling life. From the first days of his life, we started using the Vojta method to train him. At just two months old, we introduced Bobath exercises to help him learn how to hold himself, how to be carried, and even how to be diapered. We began the difficult journey of living with a child who needed constant care and specialized therapies. It wasn’t easy, but we knew we had to keep fighting.
Today, despite the enormous challenges Michałek faces, he continues to bravely fight for every step and every word. He walks short distances, often on tiptoes, and his movements are uncoordinated and chaotic. When he walks, he flaps his arms and arches backward to maintain his balance. He’s trying so hard, and we see the strength in him every single day.
Michałek also has speech difficulties. He works tirelessly, trying to communicate, but requires daily speech therapy to improve his ability to express himself. Every day is a battle—physical rehabilitation, speech therapy, sessions with a psychologist, and regular interactions with a pedagogue to help him reach his full potential. While these therapies bring tremendous progress, they are incredibly expensive, and we struggle to keep up with the costs.
In addition to these therapies, Michałek requires specialized orthopedic and rehabilitation equipment: orthoses, a brace, a standing frame, and a wheelchair. These devices help him maintain proper posture, practice balance, and strengthen the muscles necessary for walking. Every small step forward, every little improvement, fills our hearts with joy. When Michałek smiles, we find the strength to keep going, knowing that his progress is the result of our combined efforts.
Michałek has shown us time and time again that he has an extraordinary fighting spirit and a heart full of determination. Despite the immense obstacles in his path, he continues to fight—never giving up, always pushing forward. However, the costs of his rehabilitation, the specialized treatment camps, and the necessary equipment are beyond what we can afford. That is why we are reaching out for help.
Every donation, every share, and every kind word you send our way brings us one step closer to giving Michałek the future he deserves. With your support, we can continue providing him with the care, therapy, and equipment he needs to thrive. Each act of kindness, no matter how small, makes a difference in our fight for Michałek’s future.
We are endlessly grateful for the support we have already received. It has made all the difference in the world to us. But we still have a long way to go. Michałek’s journey is far from over, and with your help, we can continue to support him in his fight for a better tomorrow. Thank you for standing by our side, for believing in Michałek’s strength, and for helping us make his future brighter. Every little bit of support counts, and together, we can give Michałek the life he deserves.
