I am 19 years old and wheelchair-bound… I want to travel to the doctors who are my only hope - please donate!

Until recently, I had an ordinary life. I was a gym member, spent time with my friends, jogged, and planned my future. Today, I’m using a wheelchair and fighting to survive every single day.

In November 2023, I developed vertigo and acute headaches, fatigue, muscle weakness, and numbness in my arms and legs. After many consultations, I finally received a diagnosis - tethered cord syndrome, a rare disease in which a spinal cord abnormally attaches to the wall of the spinal canal, causing progressive neurological damage. The symptoms have been worsening since the very beginning.

In May 2024, I underwent my first surgery, after which I felt better for only three months. The symptoms came back when my spinal cord reattached to the spinal canal. In February 2025, I had another, more invasive surgery, which resulted in dramatic consequences: inability to walk, acute spasticity, and leg contractures. This is why I’ve been using a wheelchair for over a year. 

The doctors also suspect mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), an autoimmune condition that is triggered by certain medications, food, and environmental factors, causing severe symptoms. My body tolerates only a few food products and sterile pharmacy products, which makes the treatment even more difficult.

After two ineffective surgeries, I require procedures that are unavailable in Europe. These are: spine revision surgery and duraplasty with spinal column shortening (SCS). There are only a few surgeons in the world who can perform them. After months of searching online and contacting many neurosurgery centers in the USA and China, I finally got a confirmation of my appointment from two of the most outstanding specialists in the US.

The consultation is scheduled for October 1. However, I need your support to get to the United States. I can only travel horizontally, which is a position I spend most of my day in due to my medical condition, and it’s the only way I can survive a 10-hour transtlantic flight.

Unfortunately, I cannot afford the plane tickets to the United States, which cost over 50.000 zlotys (in total). It’s an enormous amount of money! First, I want to thank you for your previous support, which helped me fight for my health. Today, however, I have another request…

Every little donation brings me closer to raising the required funds and to normal functioning. I am only 19 years old and have my whole life in front of me. Please support me so that I can travel to the specialists who will help me recover!

Dawid