When little Zosia Średzińska came into the world, her parents could not have foreseen the challenges that awaited them in her first year—or the fierce determination their daughter would show in her fight for life. From her very first breath, Zosia’s existence was a battle for survival. Instead of being cradled at home in a crib filled with lullabies, she spent her initial twelve months in a hospital room, surrounded by monitors, tubes, and the constant beeping of machines that sustained her life.
This first year included nine life-saving surgeries—nine times her tiny body was entrusted to doctors who fought alongside her for every heartbeat. Yet, amid the pain, the tubes, and the sleepless nights, one thing remained constant: Zosia’s remarkable joy. Even when she was unable to speak or walk, her smile could illuminate the room.
A Life Defined by Courage
Zosia is unable to speak or walk. She cannot eat or drink independently. Each breath, every small movement, and each flicker of awareness is a quiet victory. Her days are filled with challenges that most adults would find daunting, yet she confronts them all with the unwavering spirit of a child who refuses to surrender.
Doctors diagnosed her with Hirschsprung’s disease, a severe condition affecting the intestines that makes natural digestion impossible. Consequently, Zosia lives with an ileostomy, an opening in her abdomen through which her body expels waste. Additionally, she suffers from apnea, a perilous condition that causes her to stop breathing during sleep, necessitating a tracheostomy—a tube surgically inserted into her throat to assist her breathing.
For her parents, these medical terms have become part of their everyday life—words they once struggled to pronounce are now routine. Cleaning the tracheostomy, managing the ileostomy, and monitoring her breathing are not merely medical tasks; they are acts of love performed daily, without respite.
Despite everything, Zosia exudes happiness. Her laughter is genuine, and her eyes sparkle with curiosity. “Her body may limit her, but her spirit does not,” her mother gently states. “She smiles through it all. She teaches us the true meaning of strength.”
The Path Forward
Zosia’s growth relies on continuous care and specialized equipment. As she matures, so do her requirements. Her current wheelchair, once a perfect fit, has become too small. A new specialized wheelchair is urgently needed—one that will enable her to sit safely, move more comfortably, and engage in daily activities that most children take for granted. A properly fitted wheelchair is not just a medical device; it is a key to her independence and rehabilitation.
A medical suction machine is another essential item. Since Zosia breathes through a tracheostomy, mucus can obstruct her airway, and without suctioning, she risks choking or suffocation. The machine ensures she can breathe safely, particularly during sleep or illness. “It’s something we cannot live without,” her father explains. “It’s not optional—it’s her lifeline.”
In addition to the equipment, Zosia requires intensive rehabilitation. Specialized therapy aids her in developing motor skills, building strength, and discovering new ways to communicate. Each therapy session yields a small victory—a new sound, a new movement, a better breath. Her parents dream of enrolling her in a rehabilitation program that provides comprehensive care, but the costs are overwhelming.
For this family, the price of hope is not measured in luxuries but in the essentials that offer Zosia the opportunity to live, move, and grow.
The Price of Miracles
For families like Zosia’s, love alone is insufficient. Every treatment, every piece of equipment, every hospital visit comes with a bill that seems insurmountable. The emotional burden is heavy, but the financial strain is even greater.
“Each step forward is a miracle,” her mother says, “but it’s also the result of relentless effort—rehabilitation, medical consultations, sleepless nights, and faith. We do everything we can, but sometimes it’s just not enough.”
That is why they are reaching out—to friends, strangers, anyone with a compassionate heart—to help provide Zosia with the future she deserves. Donations go directly toward her wheelchair, suction machine, therapy sessions, and rehabilitation trips. Equally important are the messages of support, the shared prayers, and the reminders that they are not alone.
A Ray of Sunshine
Despite all she endures, Zosia is a source of light in her parents’ lives. Her laughter pierces through the noise of machines, and her smile softens the toughest days. “She has a way of making us believe in miracles again,” her father shares. “Even when we’re exhausted, even when we’re frightened, one look from her reminds us why we keep going.”
The family’s home is filled with both medical equipment and love. There are wires and oxygen tanks, but also music, books, and colorful drawings. Zosia delights in being read to—her eyes brighten at the sound of stories. She may not be able to articulate the words herself, but her joy speaks volumes.
Together, We Can Achieve More
Zosia’s story serves as a reminder that true strength in life is not defined by physical ability, but by the determination to keep moving forward against the odds. Her battle is ongoing—it continues every single day. But she is not fighting alone.
Every donation, every shared message, every act of kindness helps alleviate some of the burden from her family’s shoulders. Every gesture contributes to her healing.
Help Zosia stand, breathe, and dream again.
Every contribution—no matter how small—brings her closer to independence, closer to the world she yearns to explore.
Because together, we can achieve more.
Together, we can assist Zosia in taking her next step toward life.
