AMPUTATION or surgery! Save the leg of a one-year-old Natalia!

Natalia was born prematurely in critical condition with congenital pneumonia and respiratory failure. She also suffered from grade I and II intracranial hemorrhages and had a heart defect. 

Our daughter spent the first two weeks of her life in an incubator. She left the hospital after almost three weeks with referrals to eight different specialists! Due to decreased muscle tone, she required rehabilitation that has continued since.

Until then, Natalia had experienced the same health issues as other premature babies. Unfortunately, at the end of May we learned it was more to it. We received a shocking diagnosis.

The congenital varus deformity of the knee that won't disappear on its own! It is a congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, caused by a rare genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis 1. 

This orthopedic disorder is almost incurable. When a bent tibia fractures, it fails to heal on its own, and a so-called "false joint" develops in the place of the fracture. The affected bone refractures and deforms, growing shorter than the other limb.

We are devastated since we have learned that a failed treatment often leads to AMPUTATION! The only solution to avoid it is an expensive, complex surgery involving multiple stages at the Paley European Institute.

The surgery will include, among others, removing the affected periosteum, inserting a metal rod in the tibia, which will be replaced every couple of years, and finally, a bone grafting from the hip. We must do our best to enable the first surgical procedure to save our daughter's limb. 

A week ago, Natalia had a cast made for orthosis, and she already had her first fitting. It will protect the leg from further fractures and keep it in the best shape until the surgery. 

In several days, our daughter will turn one year old. We want to offer her a gift that will not only prevent her from painful memories but guarantee joy and happiness! We hope you will help us save Natalia's leg and so our Little Angel can learn to walk without fear. 

Unfortunately, we still do not know what symptoms of neurofibromatosis Natalia will face when she grows up. However, we believe that thanks to you, the Donors, she will recover and become independent like her peers and older brother, Wojtek. This way, it will be easier for her to defeat the disease and most importantly, enjoy her life. 

We count on you and believe in your good hearts!

Natalia's parents