“Mommy, I also want to walk and dance like other girls…”
These heartfelt words from our beloved Oliwka resonate with us daily. At preschool, she encounters the harsh realities of cerebral palsy, watching her healthy classmates run, play, and dance freely. As her mother, it’s devastating to witness, and we can only fathom the emotional burden this constant comparison imposes on her. Yet, these challenges also fuel our determination. Each day, Oliwka confronts her limitations and strives to overcome them, aided by intensive rehabilitation from leading specialists. With the support of a psychologist and our unwavering care as her parents, she is fighting for a brighter future.
A Difficult Beginning
Oliwka’s journey began with a heartbreaking diagnosis. On the fifth day after her birth, an ultrasound revealed that she had experienced a cerebral hemorrhage — the most severe type: grade 3 on the right side and grade 4 on the left. The doctor’s chilling words were, “These types of hemorrhages don’t absorb. Your daughter’s brain has been irreversibly damaged. Please prepare for severe disability.”
In that moment, our world crumbled. It felt as if all our hopes were fading away. For the initial months, we struggled to adapt to this new reality, battling uncertainty and fear, but the statistics were harsh. Despite the overwhelming sorrow, I continued to pray for a miracle. However, complications arose — hydrocephalus and stage 3 retinopathy, which threatened Oliwka’s vision.
She required immediate surgery. While still in the incubator, Oliwka underwent laser therapy, which unfortunately resulted in significant scarring of her retina. The most crucial aspect was that Oliwka could still see.
The Struggle for Mobility
After two months in the hospital, we embarked on a relentless journey of intensive rehabilitation and exercises to help Oliwka regain her mobility. Each day was a struggle — three to four hours of daily exercise, along with appointments with specialists in neurology, ophthalmology, cardiology, orthopedics, osteopathy, and neurosurgery.
At one year old, Oliwka was officially diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. It was another devastating blow, but we refused to give up. Her fight for mobility persisted, and she made remarkable strides. With new therapies like Vojta, Medek, aquatic therapy, and micropolarization, Oliwka began to talk, crawl on all fours, and exhibit signs of strength and determination.
However, setbacks occurred. A follow-up ultrasound indicated that Oliwka’s hips were subluxated, and her adductor muscles were contracted. The spasticity in her muscles led to severe complications, necessitating selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery. This surgery, performed in September 2023, was successful, resulting in significant improvements. Her spasticity decreased, but unfortunately, muscle asymmetry persisted, requiring additional electrical stimulation for strength.
The Long Road Ahead
Oliwka’s hips remain at risk of complete dislocation, necessitating even more intensive rehabilitation. This has significantly increased her treatment costs. Our routine now includes stays at rehabilitation camps and centers, all contributing to the rising expenses. Despite the financial strain, we remain hopeful and confident about her future.
We have set a clear goal — we want Oliwka to walk independently, speak clearly, and enhance the function of her right hand. To achieve this, we dedicate around 3-4 hours a day to therapy. With each session, Oliwka progresses, but we cannot afford to take breaks — even a brief pause could result in losing the progress she has made.
The Financial Strain
With three other healthy children to care for, we simply cannot manage the costs alone. Each two-week rehabilitation session costs approximately 13,000 PLN, and a monthly session exceeds 3,000 PLN. Additionally, we need to purchase specialized equipment, such as orthoses and strollers, essential for her therapy and mobility. We are also planning to acquire a Molli electrostimulation suit, priced at 28,000 PLN, and a vibration platform.
These expenses are overwhelming, and we cannot bear them without assistance. We want to provide Oliwka with the best opportunity to reach her full potential, but we need financial support to do so.
A Call for Support
While we may never be able to restore the brain cells damaged by the stroke, we are doing everything possible to help Oliwka forge new neural connections through intensive rehabilitation. This has significantly improved her condition, and we are hopeful that, with continued support, she can achieve a better quality of life.
Our dream is for Oliwka to live a life free from limitations, to walk, talk, and be independent. We are immensely grateful for any assistance you can provide, no matter how small. Your support will help us give Oliwka the chance to grow, live, and thrive.
Thank you from the depths of our hearts for your generosity and for being a part of Oliwka’s journey toward independence.
