Antoś fights for a happy childhood

Antoś is just under nine months old and lives in Ruda Żmigrodzka. Even before his birth, his parents knew he would require special care, as prenatal tests revealed trisomy 21, or Down syndrome. A dozen or so weeks after his birth, he began experiencing health problems. The diagnosis was a rare condition. The boy requires expensive treatment and rehabilitation. This is his only chance for a happy future.

Antoś was born by cesarean section. Children with trisomy 21 have numerous congenital defects – affecting the heart, digestive system, eyesight, and hearing. They also have low muscle tone and reduced intellectual capacity. Imagine the parents' joy when it turned out that, despite the genetic disorder, he had a healthy heart, and his hearing and vision were normal. Three weeks later, the little one and his mother returned home, full of hope for a peaceful future.

Photo: Family materials

Unfortunately, two months later, something bad happened. Antoś stopped eating and lost half a kilogram (which, considering his weight, was a drastic drop). He was hospitalized and diagnosed with diarrhea and gastroenteritis. After treatment, he returned home, but only temporarily.

More days, more weeks – and more trips to the hospital. The child was fading, and tests failed to reveal what he was suffering from. A diagnosis was still missing. Finally, a metabolic disorder was suspected.

"We were taken by ambulance to Wrocław, then to intensive care. Seven days that I remember only vaguely. We were filled with fear, helplessness, and prayers, hoping not to lose him. And then a doctor appeared, made the correct diagnosis, and changed our son's fate, " recalls Iwona, Antoś's mother.

It turned out that Antoś suffered from an extremely rare and severe food allergy and FPIES, or food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome. This diagnosis changed everything and, in fact, saved the boy's life.

The only cure for Antoś's illness is a strict, specialized diet. Antoś can only consume carefully selected formulas containing free amino acids. Proper nutrition will allow the boy to grow and develop relatively normally. However, that's not the only problem. Down syndrome also remains. For Antoś to live a normal life, ongoing rehabilitation, speech therapy, sensory integration therapy, and psychological support are necessary.

"There are no suitable specialists in our town. We have to travel, seek help, and always be ready to give him what he needs. And although we do everything we can, we're running out of strength... and resources, " explains Iwona.

All the costs—treatment, nutrition, travel, therapy—are beyond the family's means. They are so high that Polish salaries cannot support them. Therefore, the parents, though reluctantly, must ask for help. They are asking not for themselves, but for their child. In the case of a child with trisomy 21, rehabilitation and visits with numerous specialists are necessary. And in Antoś's case, all efforts are effective, as confirmed by the neurologist during his last visit. The boy fights for a better future every day, and his parents fight right along with him.

Photo: Family materials

"Antoś fights every day with a smile on his face. He's a child with an incredible strength of spirit. Even though he's been through so much, he laughs, hugs, and fights. That's why we're asking you today for help for him. For a boy who, even in his first months of life, proved that nothing is impossible. Every form of support is a small step that gives Antoś a chance for a better tomorrow. For a normal childhood, for health, for development. For him to grow and enjoy life like other children. We thank him from the bottom of our hearts. Because thanks to you, we can keep fighting, " says his mother.

The parents are grateful to all the kind people whose help gave Antoś a chance at a good life. Because, as Iwona says, sometimes all it takes is someone to call and ask what they need help with. This gives the parents the strength to continue fighting.

If anyone would like to help Antoś, they can do so by donating any amount, even a small one, to the Siepomaga account: https://www.siepomaga.pl/antoni-olejniczak