When Mikołaj made his entrance into the world at 37 weeks, his parents believed they were finally about to meet their long-awaited miracle — a baby boy who would complete their family. What they were unaware of was that their son would arrive not merely as a newborn, but as a warrior — one who would start battling for his life even before taking his first breath.
During the pregnancy, doctors identified a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) — a serious condition where a hole in the diaphragm allows abdominal organs to shift into the chest, compressing the lungs and heart. This diagnosis shattered their joy and filled their hearts with dread. Yet, even in the womb, Mikołaj demonstrated his resilience. He underwent two surgeries before birth, giving him a fighting chance for survival.
From the moment he was born, the struggle commenced.
On his very first day, doctors hurried him into emergency life-saving surgery. His tiny body, weighing less than 3 kilograms, fought with every breath as machines worked to sustain him. Just a few days later, when his delicate lungs could no longer support him, he was placed on ECMO therapy — an artificial heart and lung system that takes over breathing and circulation, used only when all other options have failed.
“On the fifth day of his life, they told us he might not survive the night,” his mother recalls softly. “We stood by his incubator, powerless to do anything but pray. We watched the machines breathe for him, and we whispered to him, ‘Don’t give up, my love. We need you.’”
He didn’t give up.
But at just 19 days old, tragedy struck again — a stroke that left a lasting impact on his tiny brain. The doctors warned his parents that it would likely affect his development for life. Nevertheless, Mikołaj continued to fight. After three long months in the hospital, surrounded by wires, monitors, and endless prayers, he finally returned home.
It felt like a miracle — but the battle was far from over.
Since then, Mikołaj has faced three relapses and multiple life-saving surgeries. His parents have endured countless hospital stays, moments of panic, and endless uncertainty. The most terrifying moment came when the patch repairing his diaphragm burst, causing his organs to slip back into his chest. Once again, emergency surgery saved his life. And still, one more surgery awaits — to close his ductus arteriosus, a crucial procedure that doctors are now preparing to perform.
Today, at 3.5 years old, Mikołaj continues to fight every single day. He doesn’t yet speak or communicate his needs. But when his mother gazes into his eyes, she sees understanding — a light that refuses to dim.
He works diligently in rehabilitation, though the opportunities are limited. Currently, he receives only one hour of physiotherapy a week, far less than what he truly requires. His parents believe that with more sessions, more time, and more resources, their son could achieve remarkable progress. “We dream of the day he’ll stand up on his own,” his father expresses. “The day he’ll say ‘mama’ or ‘dada.’ That’s what keeps us going.”
Mikołaj’s days are filled with visits to specialists — surgeons, pulmonologists, cardiologists, neurologists, and rehabilitation experts — each appointment another step toward giving him a chance at a better life. However, the costs of care are staggering. Medications, equipment, travel, and private therapy sessions deplete the family’s savings faster than they can recover.
Still, they cling to hope — because hope is all they have left.
“Our son is our hero,” his mother states. “He’s fought harder in three years than most people do in a lifetime. Every smile, every small movement is a victory for us. But we can’t do it alone anymore.”
And so, they’re reaching out for help — not for themselves, but for the little boy who has spent every day of his life demonstrating what it means to be brave.
Every donation aids in providing the therapy, medical care, and rehabilitation that keep Mikołaj progressing. Every act of kindness brings him closer to standing, speaking, and living a life beyond hospital walls.
He has survived what many would not — two surgeries before birth, ECMO, a stroke, and countless complications. Now, he just needs a chance to keep going.
Because Mikołaj was born a fighter.
And with love, faith, and your support, this brave little boy can continue to show that miracles do happen — one breath, one step, one heartbeat at a time.
