Milenka, our cherished daughter, entered the world in September 2022, and from her very first breath, she faced extraordinary challenges. Diagnosed with a serious congenital heart defect, which includes aortic valve hypoplasia, aortic arch hypoplasia, and ventricular septal defect, her future appeared uncertain from the outset. Yet, our little warrior has shown incredible resilience.
In those initial days, we were informed that her chances of survival were minimal. However, Milenka defied the odds. She fought with every bit of strength she possessed. At just a few months old, she underwent her first complex cardiac surgery utilizing the Norwood method, which enabled her to survive. Nevertheless, the journey ahead was anything but simple.
In the following months, Milenka encountered further surgeries — one to repair an aneurysm near the ventriculopulmonary shunt, followed by angioplasty to widen her narrowed aorta, and then another surgery to convert her heart to a biventricular heart to enhance its function. These life-saving procedures were conducted at the Polish Mother’s Hospital in Łódź at the Cardiac Surgery Center, providing Milenka with a fighting chance.
However, even after these operations, our concerns did not dissipate. Recent tests revealed the narrowing of both pulmonary arteries, a serious complication that could impede Milenka’s heart and overall growth. In February 2024, a cardiac catheterization confirmed our worst fears — the narrowing of the arteries had not been fully resolved in previous surgeries. Despite the doctors’ best efforts, the pressure in the right ventricle of her heart could not be alleviated, leaving her condition critical.
At this point, specialists at Stanford Medical Center, one of the leading medical facilities globally, intervened. They proposed a pulmonary artery reconstruction, a highly specialized surgery that only they have the resources and expertise to perform. This procedure could provide Milenka with the opportunity to lead a fuller, healthier life. However, this treatment comes with a significant cost. While we are still waiting for a detailed cost estimate, we anticipate it could reach up to 10 million złoty — a sum that is simply beyond our means.
Milenka is not just our daughter — she is our little hero. Despite all the pain, surgeries, and medical interventions she has endured, her spirit remains unbroken. Her determination to fight for every moment of life inspires us daily. But we cannot do this alone.
We are reaching out to you with a heartfelt plea for help. We need support to cover the expenses of Milenka’s treatment in the United States, as well as the necessary transportation and accommodations for our family during the recovery period post-surgery. This will be a time of immense challenges — physically, emotionally, and financially — as Milenka will need us by her side every step of the way.
The cost of her treatment may seem overwhelming, but we believe that together, we can turn this dream into reality. Your support — whether through donations, sharing this story, or simply offering words of encouragement — can provide Milenka with the best medical care possible and give her the chance to continue growing and living a fulfilling life.
Milenka has already demonstrated that she possesses the heart of a warrior. She has overcome every obstacle life has placed in her path. But now, she needs our assistance to take the next step in her journey — one that will require all the strength we can provide.
Please, help us give Milenka the chance she deserves. With your generosity, we can ensure that she has the opportunity to grow, to laugh, to live — and to have a future filled with hope.
Thank you for standing with us, for believing in our little hero, and for making this incredible journey possible. Your support means the world to us. ❤️
