Our pregnancy began with immense joy and anticipation as we discovered we were expecting twins. However, our dreams of welcoming two children were abruptly interrupted when, at just 25 weeks, we faced the premature birth of our son, Igorek. His arrival initiated a journey that no parent could ever be ready for—a path filled with challenges, uncertainty, and boundless love.
Born far too soon, Igorek spent the first four months of his life in a hospital, away from the warmth and comfort of home. The reality of his premature birth was something we could only grasp when we witnessed him fighting for every breath and heartbeat. The extreme prematurity brought numerous health issues, which Igorek continues to confront today and will likely face throughout his life.
One of the most heartbreaking moments came when doctors informed us that Igorek had experienced grade 3 and 4 strokes. The damage to his optic nerves was irreversible, and the trauma to his tiny brain resulted in long-term impairments. To address the post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus that developed, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed to drain excess fluid from his brain. While this procedure offered some hope, it also carried risks—there’s always a chance the shunt could fail, necessitating another urgent operation.
Our hospital experience was filled with fear and uncertainty. Each day brought new diagnoses and complications. Igorek fought against sepsis, received multiple blood transfusions, and underwent surgeries for an inguinal hernia and to reverse his retinopathy. Each setback felt like a blow, constantly reminding us of how fragile our son’s life was.
Despite the trauma, Igorek continued to persevere. His resilience astounded us, but we understood that the road ahead would be long and fraught with challenges. The brain damage from the strokes resulted in developmental delays that are difficult to predict. However, one thing is certain: Igorek is a fighter. His strength, determination to thrive, and joy in the face of adversity inspire us. He has already won the most crucial battle—he is alive. Now, our fight is for his future.
Currently, Igorek is undergoing intensive rehabilitation. His progress is gradual, but we are committed to providing him with every opportunity to succeed. We hope that with appropriate therapies, his brain will adapt, allowing him to regain as much mobility and independence as possible. Vision therapy remains a vital aspect of his treatment, and we are doing everything we can to ensure he receives the necessary care.
The recovery journey is lengthy. Igorek requires ongoing care from a variety of specialists—surgeons, ophthalmologists, cardiologists, audiologists, pulmonologists, speech therapists, and more. Each appointment demands frequent travel, which is both physically and emotionally draining. The expenses associated with these treatments, along with the constant need for rehabilitation equipment and therapies, are overwhelming. We strive to provide for him, but the financial burden is simply too great for us to manage alone.
That is why we are reaching out to you, our community, with a heartfelt plea for assistance. We need your support to continue Igorek’s treatment and rehabilitation. His brain may be partially damaged, and his future development may be uncertain, but we will do everything possible to give him the best start. Every contribution, no matter how small, will significantly impact his fight for mobility and independence.
Igorek has already defied the odds by surviving, and now it’s time for us to help him thrive. With your support, we can provide him with the chance he deserves to lead a life filled with hope and possibilities. We are immensely grateful for your assistance, and we will continue to fight for our son’s future with all our strength.
Thank you for standing by us and supporting Igorek on this challenging journey. Your kindness and generosity instill hope for the future. Together, we can make a difference in his life, and we will never cease fighting for him.
