The sight of two lines on a pregnancy test brought us immense joy and tears of happiness—this was the moment we discovered our family was about to expand. From that instant, we loved Łucja with all our hearts. The thrill and anticipation of welcoming our little girl filled us with boundless happiness. However, as time passed, our joy turned to fear when complications arose during her delivery. The umbilical cord had wrapped around her neck twice, cutting off her oxygen supply and causing her heart rate to plummet. In those critical moments, Łucja’s life hung in the balance.
We will never forget the anxiety we experienced in those initial moments. Thankfully, our little girl fought valiantly, but the complications during birth left lasting effects. Although she survived, we soon noticed developmental delays in the months that followed. Łucja’s motor skills were not progressing as anticipated. Her right side, in particular, was weaker, and she struggled to use her right hand, which remained clenched for an extended period, unable to grasp anything.
As parents, it was heartbreaking to witness our daughter’s struggles. We envisioned watching her grow and thrive alongside other children, but instead, we found ourselves on a challenging journey of supporting a child facing unimaginable obstacles. We lovingly referred to her as “Iskierka,” meaning “little spark” in Polish, because despite everything, she continued to shine brightly, demonstrating incredible resilience in the face of adversity.
The Struggle for Normalcy
As Łucja grew, we began to observe additional signs of developmental delays. She rolled over for the first time, but only to one side. Her first steps didn’t occur until she was about 18 months old. When she started walking, it became evident that her right leg wasn’t functioning properly. Her right side, including her hand, arm, and leg, struggled to keep pace with her left. This was the moment we realized something more serious was at play.
From her early months, we sought the expertise of physiotherapists, neurologists, and other specialists. We invested in therapies and treatments, hoping to enhance her motor skills and help her achieve her milestones. However, despite extensive rehabilitation efforts, Łucja’s progress was slower than we had hoped, and we soon recognized that this was not merely a developmental delay—it was a condition requiring ongoing treatment and care.
After numerous consultations with specialists, we received the diagnosis: right-sided hemiplegia, along with muscle tone and posture disorders, sensorimotor issues, and orofacial disorders. This diagnosis confirmed our worst fears—Łucja would face significant motor challenges throughout her life. It also meant we needed to make continuous adjustments to ensure she could access the therapies and treatments necessary for her to reach her full potential.
The Road to Recovery
Łucja’s rehabilitation journey is ongoing. She requires continuous physiotherapy to enhance her muscle tone and motor function, as well as educational therapy to stimulate her fine motor skills. Speech therapy is also crucial to help her address the orofacial issues she faces. Additionally, Łucja needs specialized orthoses to assist with her mobility and posture. Each of these treatments is vital for improving her quality of life, but the financial burden of these therapies is significant, and we are struggling to manage it on our own.
As parents, it’s devastating to know that we are doing everything possible to support our daughter, yet the financial strain is overwhelming. While we are committed to providing Łucja with everything she needs, we simply cannot do it alone. Her ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and specialized care require resources that far exceed our current capabilities.
A Call for Help
This is where we reach out to you. We are seeking your support to help Łucja continue her journey toward a brighter future. The path ahead is long, and the challenges are many, but we believe that now, while she is still a little girl, is the most critical time to intervene. With your assistance, we can provide Łucja with the treatment she needs to develop and grow stronger. It is during these early years that we can make the most significant impact on her life.
Łucja is an incredibly brave and resilient little girl. Her determination and perseverance inspire us every day. We know that, with the right care and therapies, she has the potential to achieve milestones that once seemed unattainable. We also believe she deserves every opportunity to live a life filled with joy and fulfillment. Your support can help turn that vision into reality for Łucja. Together, we can ensure that her right-sided hemiplegia and motor disabilities do not dictate her future.
A Future Full of Possibilities
We are dedicated to giving Łucja the best chance at a fulfilling life. We want her to run, play, and explore the world like any other child. We want to witness her growth, development, and the realization of all the dreams that every child deserves. But for that to happen, we need your help.
The funds raised will directly support Łucja’s rehabilitation, educational therapies, speech therapy, and the acquisition of specialized orthoses. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to providing Łucja with the care and support she needs to thrive.
We invite you to join us in this fight for Łucja’s future. Let’s ensure that the complications she faced at birth do not define her life. Let’s provide her with the tools and support necessary to live a life full of possibilities, just like any other child.
From the depths of our hearts, thank you for your support, kindness, and generosity. Together, we can help Łucja achieve the future she deserves.
