Ania entered the world prematurely at just 28 weeks, weighing less than a bag of sugar. She was delicate and fought for every breath. From the start, life challenged her resilience. For two months, she was in an incubator in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, surrounded by wires and machines that kept her alive. Each day brought new hurdles and fresh hopes.
Doctors soon identified a heart defect in Ania, and shortly after, she developed retinopathy, a condition that threatened her vision. Nevertheless, she continued to fight. When she was finally strong enough to return home, her parents thought the worst was behind them. However, fate had more challenges ahead.
At six months, Ania was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a moment that altered everything. “It felt like the ground disappeared beneath us,” recalls her mother, Anna Goławska. “But we promised to do everything we could for her.”
Just days after receiving that devastating news, Ania began experiencing seizures. She was rushed back to the hospital, where doctors delivered another heartbreaking diagnosis: drug-resistant epilepsy. From that point on, hospital corridors became her second home.
The seizures took away the progress she had made. Ania stopped babbling, smiling, and making eye contact. Her body weakened, and her little limbs became unresponsive. The simplest actions—a smile, a sound, a glance—disappeared, replaced by silence and stillness.
Then came feeding challenges. She could no longer eat independently and required a feeding tube. The following months were exhausting, but her parents refused to give up. After seven months of battling relentless epilepsy, her condition finally stabilized. With cautious optimism, they began intensive rehabilitation.
Now, at two years old, Ania is a beautiful, determined child, yet her challenges are significant. She cannot roll over, hold her head up, sit, crawl, or walk. Speaking remains out of reach. Every movement, every effort to lift her gaze, demands strength and persistence that most adults cannot fathom.
Due to her medications, Ania struggles to eat and must be fed a specialized formula. Her parents meticulously measure supplements, monitor her reactions, and travel countless kilometers weekly for therapy. They are supported by a full team of specialists—neurologists, cardiologists, ophthalmologists, endocrinologists, orthopedists, speech therapists, and more. Each appointment brings both hope and significant expenses.
Rehabilitation is central to Ania’s fight. She attends therapy six days a week, sometimes multiple sessions daily. Her physical therapy includes the Vojta method and CME (Cuevas Medek Exercises), which stimulate her nervous system and help her brain relearn movement. She also undergoes vision therapy, feeding therapy, hand therapy, and sensory integration therapy to enhance coordination, perception, and communication.
Ania is regularly placed in a standing frame to improve her posture, and she wears orthotics and special goggles to aid her development. Several times a year, her family participates in intensive rehabilitation programs that cost tens of thousands of złoty annually. In addition to therapy fees, there are ongoing costs for rehabilitation equipment, a specialized wheelchair, car seat, glasses, and travel.
“We do everything we can,” says Anna. “We want her to have every chance—to lift her head, to move independently, to see the world beyond her bed. But we can’t do it alone.”
Despite the challenges, Ania’s spirit shines brightly. Her small victories—a twitch of her fingers, a steady gaze, a flicker of response—are cherished moments of triumph for her parents. They believe that with ongoing therapy and medical care, Ania can achieve greater independence, one small step at a time.
However, the financial burden is overwhelming. Intensive rehabilitation, medical treatments, and travel expenses consume nearly all the family’s resources. That’s why they are reaching out for help—to anyone willing to support them in this fight.
Every donation, no matter how small, brings Ania closer to her dream: to move, to hold her head up, to explore the world around her. Your support can fund her ongoing therapy, specialized care, and essential equipment that helps her grow stronger each day.
“Ania has shown us what true courage looks like,” says Anna. “She battles through every seizure, every therapy session, every needle, every setback—and she never gives up. All we want is to give her a chance at a better life.”
Ania’s story is one of resilience—a reminder that love and hope can prevail even in adversity. With your assistance, she can continue her rehabilitation and lay the groundwork for greater independence.
You can make a difference in her life today. Help Ania take her next step toward a future where she can lift her head, reach for her toys, and perhaps one day, even walk.
❤️ Every contribution counts. Every act of kindness matters. Together, we can give Ania the chance she deserves—the chance to experience her childhood with joy, dignity, and hope.
