Born into a world filled with uncertainty, Oliwka’s life has been a testament to the extraordinary strength of a child fighting against the odds. Her story begins with a diagnosis that no parent could ever imagine: Oliwka was born with gastroschisis, a rare condition where the organs develop outside the abdominal cavity. From the moment she took her first breath, her parents knew they were in for a long and challenging journey—a fight that would demand every ounce of courage they had.
Her battle started immediately. At just a few hours old, Oliwka underwent her first of many life-saving surgeries. She would face six major open abdominal surgeries before she was even two years old. Each surgery, each medical procedure, was a step toward survival, but the path was never easy. Oliwka’s condition was so severe that doctors initially gave her little hope. Her small intestine, ravaged by necrosis, had to be removed entirely.
Only 29 centimeters of her large intestine remained, leaving her unable to eat normally. Parenteral nutrition—feeding directly into her bloodstream—became her only means of survival, a permanent necessity for the rest of her life.
But Oliwka’s struggle didn’t end there. During one of her surgeries, a lack of oxygen led to hypoxia, which caused significant brain damage. Her parents were told to prepare for the worst, to say goodbye every day as their daughter’s life hung in the balance. The doctors cautioned that, even if she survived, Oliwka would likely be bedridden and without any means of communication.
Yet, Oliwka refused to give up. She defied the odds, fighting for her life in the hospital for five months. Day by day, she proved that she was a warrior—a fighter with an unyielding will to live. And against all expectations, she survived. But the fight was far from over.
As Oliwka grew, her journey remained marked by a series of health challenges that would test her family’s resolve. At eighteen months old, she underwent another surgery. By the time she was four, she had endured nine more. Each operation brought new hurdles—both physical and emotional. Oliwka’s struggle with motor and mental delays was evident, as was her delayed speech development. She faced sensory integration disorders, visual impairment, and hypersensitivity throughout her body. Everyday tasks that most children take for granted became monumental challenges for Oliwka.
But in the face of all this, Oliwka’s family never stopped believing in her. They celebrated every small victory—each word she could say, each step she could take, every moment of progress, no matter how small. Today, at nearly four years old, Oliwka speaks a few slurred words, but to her parents, those words are everything. She may not yet speak clearly to outsiders, but her family understands her fully. Oliwka can now do things like hand her parents an object or pull socks from the closet with help. These tiny gestures, simple as they may seem, are milestones in a long, difficult road.
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Her family also sees progress in her mobility. While Oliwka still requires support on the stairs or at the playground, she is growing stronger. Though she continues to struggle with olfactory and visual hypersensitivity, there have been improvements. The episodes of epilepsy and vomiting have become less frequent, a relief for her parents who once lived in constant fear of her health deteriorating. However, the path is still filled with challenges, and every step forward is hard-earned.
For Oliwka’s parents, every day brings new hopes, new struggles, and new dreams. They have poured everything they have into her care and rehabilitation. But the cost of her treatments is overwhelming. Private rehabilitation is expensive, and they are often forced to choose between therapies and services. Their desire to give Oliwka the best care possible never falters, but the financial burden is a constant source of worry.
Despite the difficulties, there is an unwavering sense of hope. Oliwka’s parents continue to fight for her, holding on to the belief that with the right support, their daughter can continue to improve. They dream of a future where she can thrive, speak clearly, move independently, and live a life full of joy. And they know that this dream is not impossible—because Oliwka has already shown them the power of resilience.
If you are moved by Oliwka’s story, there is a way to help. Her family has launched a fundraising campaign to support her ongoing care and rehabilitation. Every donation, no matter how small, is a step toward making Oliwka’s dreams a reality. For them, each contribution is a lifeline—a chance to give Oliwka the best shot at a better life. They know they can’t do it alone, and with your help, they can continue this fight together.
Oliwka’s journey has been one of hardship and heartache, but it is also a story of love, determination, and hope. With every challenge she faces, she teaches us all the true meaning of strength. Please consider supporting this brave little girl and her family as they continue to fight for her future. 💔
