I am Nina Florczak, the mother of Ninka, our little Countess. From the very start of her life, she was fragile, delicate, and incredibly small, resembling porcelain. We affectionately call her Countess because, despite her tiny stature, she possesses the heart of a warrior. Born at just 28 weeks and weighing only 700 grams, Ninka entered this world prematurely, yet her fighting spirit has kept her alive and stronger than we ever imagined.
From the outset, we understood that our baby girl would encounter numerous challenges. Prenatal tests indicated a 60% likelihood of trisomy, but there remained a 40% glimmer of hope—hope that sustained us, hope that perhaps we would be spared from a life filled with difficulties. Sadly, our worst fears were confirmed when Ninka was diagnosed with Down syndrome.
Although the diagnosis was heartbreaking, we continued to believe in her strength. However, the challenges soon multiplied. Ninka developed viral pneumonia while in the hospital, and complications continued to arise. Hypoxia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, pulmonary hypertension, and ultimately, a heart defect that could take her from us at any moment. At just eight months, she weighed only 5,850 grams. Every gram of her life has been a battle fought through tears, oxygen, and pain.
Ninka’s medical journey is a constant struggle. We travel between Olsztyn and Warsaw, visiting pulmonologists and cardiologists, pursuing one diagnosis after another. Due to her pulmonary hypertension, Ninka needs continuous access to an oxygen concentrator. Unfortunately, we cannot afford one, so we rely on a borrowed device. Each day, we check her oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter and monitor her blood pressure multiple times.
At night, we are filled with dread at the thought of closing our eyes. The hypertension has caused one of Ninka’s heart chambers to enlarge, and she now has a small hole in her heart. Her doctors are uncertain about when, or if, she will be able to undergo the cardiac catheterization and surgery she urgently needs. They are aware that if they close the hole too soon, the pressure could rupture her heart. Every decision they make could be a matter of life or death.
Ninka cannot attend daycare, preschool, or interact with other children. Her immune system is so compromised that any infection could be fatal. At home, we must disinfect everything—clothes, toys, surfaces—just to keep her safe. Every moment feels like a precarious balance between life and death.
When I look at her—so small, yet so resilient—I know I cannot give up on her. But we cannot do this alone. We need your assistance. We are not asking for luxuries; we are asking for a chance at life for Ninka. The medical equipment she requires is costly, and the expenses for travel, medications, checkups, and the uncertain future ahead of us are overwhelming.
We attempted to manage on our own, but we have reached a dead end. Every złoty we raise is one more breath for our daughter. Each donation means that Ninka will have a chance to live longer, to continue this fight, and to experience the life she deserves. It is not merely about survival—it’s about giving her the opportunity to grow, play, learn, and be a child.
We are seeking your support, not just for Ninka’s medical care, but for her future. As parents, there is nothing we wouldn’t do to save our child, but right now, we need help from those with big hearts. We cannot do this without you.
From the depths of our hearts, we thank you for any support you can provide. Every donation, no matter how small, is a step toward giving Ninka the chance to continue her fight. We are filled with fear, but also with hope, knowing that together, we can provide Ninka the life she deserves.
Please, help us. Every day matters. Every breath matters. We are immensely grateful for your generosity and kindness.
To donate and support Ninka, please visit our fundraising page [link]. Thank you for standing with us in this fight.
