This surgery is my last chance for a normal life…

My name is Żaneta, and since birth, I’ve been suffering from massive left-sided vascular facial malformations. My whole life, the disease not only affected my appearance, but also my health and everyday functioning.

Today I received a promising , life-changing opportunity, though. I was qualified for a complicated reconstructive surgery in Italy, which will help recreate the jaw and restore basic function to my face. This is not an aesthetic plastic surgery, though. It’s supposed to enable normal breathing, eating, sleeping, and safe functioning.

After many years of battle, I dream of finally starting a normal life… I am asking you for support from the bottom of my heart. Here’s my whole story:

​Since I was little, I have been treated at the Children’s Health Institute. Meanwhile, I underwent chemotherapy and many other treatments for my vascular malformation. Because of the disease, I had my left eye removed. I also developed hearing loss in my left ear due to vascular lesions. 

I spent the next few years undergoing treatments, fighting inflammation, and its side effects.

I had several surgical procedures in different hospitals, performed by maxillofacial surgeons, otolaryngologists, and vascular surgeons. I risked my health with every stage of treatment.

Despite the surgeries, the disease was progressing…

In 2016, due to severe nosebleeds, I underwent embolization, which was ineffective. After the procedure, I had an ischemic stroke that resulted in hemiplegia, which affected the right side of my body. Many months of rehabilitation helped me regain physical abilities, though.

It was one of the most challenging moments of my life.

In 2019, only one month after my wedding, I learned I had thyroid cancer. My world fell apart again… I required a total thyroidectomy, followed by cancer treatment. Thankfully, it helped, and for now, cancer is in remission, but I still need to be monitored by oncologists.

Unfortunately, the disease has caused serious damage to my facial bones, including the jaw - part of it is missing, which causes its retraction and makes it difficult for me to open my mouth, breathe, and function in general. I also suffer from apnea that affects my sleep, regeneration, and everyday comfort of life. Additionally, nerve damage in the left side of my face has impacted its movement.

​In 2024, I had surgery to remove a vast vascular malformation from my left cheek. Unfortunately, a month later, I developed inflammation and required another operation. We paid for both procedures out of pocket.

The surgery I need now is one of the most important stages of the long facial reconstruction process and a battle to regain physical abilities and a sense of security.

​Despite the disease, I’ve been trying to function as normally as possible, not letting my life be defined by medical records. I’ve even managed to graduate from university and obtain a master’s degree! This personal accomplishment proves that, against all odds, I didn’t give up on my dreams.

I love reading books and physical activities. Last year, after many years of treatment and rehabilitation, I ran my first half marathon in Wrocław. It was a very important milestone for me! I also like to cook, travel, and enjoy simple, everyday life. I try to cherish good moments and appreciate small things, even though I’ve gone through so much.

In the future, I would like to start a family, but for now, I need to focus on my health and further treatment.

My whole life, I’ve tried to live normally despite the disease. Today, I am asking you for help, because we can no longer afford the treatment and another surgery. Although we were able to finance everything ourselves for many years, the current stage of treatment is too expensive for us and can only be realized with your support…

​Every donation, share, and a good word means the world to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and for the chance to fight for my health.

​Żaneta