Let him fight the disease and regain childhood! Please help Marcel!

After going back and forth between the doctor’s appointments, we finally received a diagnosis! Marcel has autoimmune encephalitis! Our son is seriously ill. The only remedy is immunoglobulin therapy. Unfortunately, it’s not reimbursed, so we are asking you for help! 

In 2012 our long-awaited, greatest happiness was born—our son Marcel. We were enjoying the parenthood and the fact that our son was healthy. However, our joy did not last long…

Our son started to suffer from many infectious diseases—bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and otitis. When he was around 2 years old, we noticed his growth disorder. He developed cognitive impairment, hyperexcitability, and poor memory. Our son was sometimes absent-minded as if he was in a different world. He underwent many examinations. Marcel was monitored by a whole team of specialist doctors: psychologist, psychiatrist, speech therapist, and sensory integration therapist. Unfortunately, none of the therapeutic activities or medications brought any desired results, and moreover, caused his bad mood—he developed ticks, experienced unspecified pain, anxiety attacks, and panic attacks. The doctors were hopeless, so we continued to search for a different solution… 

About 5 years later, the tests finally paid off and this time the diagnosis was correct but unfortunately painful—autoimmune encephalitis! Our son is seriously ill. This news broke our hearts. Marcel’s immune system attacked itself. The deceitful and cruel disease is taking away our son’s opportunity for a healthy future and life! It’s plain to see that our child’s development is regressing.  

Autoimmune encephalitis is still a barely known disease, manifesting itself in many neurological disorders. Despite the illness, Marcel is a very intelligent and affectionate child. He is sociable, likes to cuddle, and loves animals… Unfortunately, he experiences many tough days, and he suffers a lot. However, our son has a chance for a better life. The autoimmune encephalitis treatment is based on multiple administrations of immunoglobulin. It’s an opportunity to stop the disease and improve the health condition of our child. 

So far, Marcel underwent two immunoglobulin infusions. The treatment is not reimbursed, and we cannot afford it. The cost of one infusion is over 50 000 Polish zlotys, depending on the patient’s body weight. The infusions must be administered every 6 weeks in a private clinic. The annual cost of the treatment is enormous…    

It’s difficult for us to write about the disease, but it’s even harder to ask you for financial support and help. As parents, we always try to ensure our son that everything is going to be fine, that this difficult time will eventually go away, and he will grow up as a healthy, wise, and fit man.  

We are constantly scared of what else fate is going to bring us tomorrow. The only hope is the immunoglobulin treatment—effective but extremely expensive. It’s hard to ask for help, but we don’t have a choice, every penny matters. We truly believe that your support will save Marcel, the horrifying image of progressing disease will disappear, and Marcel’s face will lighten up with a smile! 

Marcel’s parents