Some narratives are crafted not with ink, but through tears, sleepless nights, and the quiet fortitude of a mother’s heart.
This is the tale of Leoś Tuleja – a child whose existence has been a struggle from the very beginning, alongside his mother, who battles that struggle with him every moment.
Upon Leoś’s arrival into the world, his mother envisioned, like all mothers do, a life filled with laughter, first steps, first words, and the warmth of joyful moments. Instead, she encountered silence – the silence of hospital hallways, the hum of machines, and the persistent uncertainty that never truly fades.
“Life has never been kind to us,” she expresses softly.
Her son, her universe, has endured more suffering than any child should ever have to face. Two fourth-degree brain hemorrhages, cerebral palsy, drug-resistant epilepsy, and autism have left profound marks on his small body. He is blind, grapples with muscle stiffness, and cannot chew or swallow. Every movement, every breath, every smile is a hard-fought victory.
To ensure his survival, doctors had to place a PEG feeding tube, his sole means of receiving nourishment. However, this too came with complications – painful infections, endless hospital visits, and one harrowing night when Leoś began choking and couldn’t breathe. “I thought I would lose him,” his mother remembers. “I’ll never forget that fear.”
Yet, she remained unbroken. She learned to navigate life minute by minute – caring, cleaning, feeding, and comforting her child with a love that surpasses exhaustion.
“When Leoś smiles, everything else fades away,” she shares. “That smile gives me the strength to keep going.”
Each day starts with therapy. Rehabilitation aids in alleviating the tension in his muscles, reducing painful contractures. Every minor improvement – a steadier movement, a more relaxed hand – is a reason to celebrate. However, rehabilitation, medications, and medical equipment expenses exceed what this single mother can afford.
The list of necessities appears endless: a new stroller, a standing frame, diapers, wipes, cleaning supplies, and specialized clothing. The current funds will barely last a year. “Sometimes,” she confesses, “we don’t even have enough for daily living. But I can’t give up. I must keep fighting – for him.”
There are no dreams left for herself. No vacations, no rest, no escape. Only one wish remains: that her son might one day gain more independence – that he might experience freedom, even if just for a moment.
“My dream is for him to attend regular rehabilitation and retreats that enhance his mobility,” she states. “That’s all I desire. I don’t need anything else.”
The journey is long and fraught with challenges. Yet, every setback only strengthens her resolve. Each hospital visit, each night spent by his side, each therapy session – all of it is part of a quiet, ongoing struggle for dignity and hope.
For Leoś, progress is slow but invaluable. Though he cannot see the world, he senses it – through his mother’s touch, her voice, her unwavering presence. She is his eyes, his protector, his entire universe.
What she fears most is running out of strength – not in her heart, but in her finances. Without ongoing therapy and medical assistance, Leoś’s muscles will stiffen, his pain will intensify, and the small victories they’ve fought so hard for may slip away.
She doesn’t ask for much. Just an opportunity for her son to continue progressing. A chance for him to experience something akin to normalcy – to live without pain, to feel love not just through her embrace, but through every act of kindness that reaches them.
“We’re so thankful for everyone who’s supported us before,” she expresses. “But I have no choice – I must ask again. Every bit of help means another day of hope.”
Hope – that one day, perhaps, science will provide Leoś with what fate has taken away. That one day, her mother’s greatest wish might come true:
“I believe that with your help,” she whispers, “my son will one day see his mother.”
Her words embody both heartbreak and faith – a mother’s love distilled into a single, seemingly impossible dream.
Leoś cannot see the world, but his world sees him – a boy whose bravery shines through the darkness, whose every smile brightens the room. And behind that light stands a woman whose love knows no bounds.
Because even when fate is harsh, love fights harder.
And with every act of kindness, every donation, and every share of their story, that love grows stronger – transforming pain into purpose, and despair into hope.
💛 Support little Leoś in his fight. Help his mother hold onto her dream – that one day, her son will open his eyes and finally see her smile.
