VERY URGENT! A cry for help filled with suffering—Paulina needs surgery! Please help!
VERY URGENT! Paulina’s story resembles a movie scenario. The only difference is that it happened for real. A severe, incurable disease did not stop Paulina from becoming a lawyer, though! She had an opportunity to be one of the best in Poland… Unfortunately, a sudden relapse made it impossible for her to pursue a professional career! Paulina is at risk of using a wheelchair and is in a lot of pain… The only solution for her is surgery! Please respond to her cry for help and offer your support! “My name is Paulina Zaborowska, and since birth, I have been suffering from an incurable disease called diastrophic dysplasia. It is a rare genetic disorder characterized by short stature, very short arms and legs, unusually positioned and shaped feet and hands, joint deformities that lead to premature joint degeneration, and spine deformities that intensify with age. The disease is progressive and leads to further restriction of movement… It is one of the most severe types of dwarfism and one of the hardest to treat. Although it has been a part of my life, I avoided being defined by the disease. I wanted people to see me as a young person with intellectual potential instead of a girl with disabilities. Not many people believed that I would be able to fulfill my dream of becoming a lawyer. I proved them wrong! Not only have I graduated from law school, but I also became a Doctor of Laws at the Doctoral School of Social Sciences at the University of Warsaw, where I also give lectures on civil law. In my case, the path to pursuing the dream of becoming a lawyer was long and complicated. I almost missed my chance to start an education at a public school! However, thanks to the local authorities, I was admitted on time. I was an A student at all stages of education—elementary school, junior high, and high school! On October 1, 2014, I became a law student at the University of Warsaw. Being on my own, I finally achieved the independence I had always dreamed of. On June 11, 2019, my childhood dream came true! I became the first lawyer in my family. It is probably hard to believe, but a country girl with disabilities, struggling not only with a low height but also with many other limitations caused by a rare genetic disorder, became the best graduate out of 600 people from the best university in Poland! Although it seems as unreal as a movie scenario, it’s a real accomplishment thanks to many years of hard work. With my perseverance, I realized my dreams and proved the disbelievers wrong. Although I experienced many difficult moments, I never lacked motivation. I was convinced, that my story might inspire others. After I graduated, I decided to start a career as a lawyer. I was admitted to the Doctoral School of Social Sciences at the University of Warsaw and passed the preliminary counselor exam, obtaining the best test results among 1000 candidates. In the meantime, I became a judicial assistant in the District Court of Warsaw. Even though I was about to begin an impressive career, the disease started to ruin everything I had been working for. In 2021, my optimism turned into helplessness. I had to give up my plans, dreams, and ambitions immediately. It happened overnight. An unexpected, sudden relapse of my disease forced me to make a tough decision—leave my job and counselor apprenticeship… It also made me dependent on others again… Through many years, I accepted my disability, and I didn’t regret not being able to hike, ride a bicycle, or wear high heels. I even came to terms with the fact that I would face mean or unpleasant comments for the rest of my life. I focused on pursuing a scholar and a professional career, which I considered useful for society. However, when the disease took them away from me as well, that is when unbearable suffering started. Currently, I have been struggling with symptoms of the disease. I feel like it is an uneven battle, that brings both physical and mental pain. My health condition is worsening day by day. I cannot walk without crutches. I might require a wheelchair soon… Pain makes it impossible to go back to work, prepare my doctoral thesis, and give lectures at the university. Unfortunately, the doctors, despite being open to new solutions, have doubts about the effectiveness of the treatment. Any orthopedic procedures are ruled out due to life-threatening factors. It means that I would have to live with pain, which is becoming intense, and also give up my professional career and social life for many years. I find it an unimaginable tragedy… However, there is a chance for me to recover and return to life without pain! It is a complex yet expensive treatment in the Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute in the United States. The cost of treatment is enormous but required to perform complicated surgeries. Dr. Paley and Dr. T. Minas who agreed to conduct the treatment, are renowned orthopedic specialists. It includes individually designed endoprostheses and necessary physical therapy. That type of therapy is an opportunity for me to get rid of pain and be able to walk, work, and teach. To live a normal life. Unfortunately, I cannot afford to pay for the treatment. The living situation of my family is difficult and makes it impossible to obtain support. All my closest family members require constant medical assistance; my older sister also suffers from diastrophic dysplasia and is at risk of relapse… To enable a happy ending for my story, I am asking all the good-hearted people for support. Although I have never asked for help before, now I am begging for it! I cannot change my reality, but you can! Thank you for every donation. Paulina