DRAMATICALLY URGENT! His own body is killing him - please save Dorian!
DRAMATICALLY URGENT! It is more than a race against time - it is a life-and-death situation! Dorian has severe S-curve scoliosis, which causes pressure on internal organs, including the heart and lungs. He has trouble breathing! An urgent, life-saving treatment is required! Dorian is only 14 years old and has his whole life ahead of him. We have no time to lose - HELP! Judyta, Mom: Every day, I fear for his life. It breaks my heart that he lives with so much pain and cannot play football, go to the city, or jump down the stairs. Not only is it impossible, but it can get worse. Without spine surgery, his heart and lungs will get damaged. Only treatment abroad can save him. Dorian was a long-awaited baby. When I got pregnant, I had the best OBG-YN and underwent all prenatal tests. Everything seemed perfect until the seventh month of gestation. It came as a shock to me when I learned that my baby had hydrocephalus. Soon after, it all started to go downhill. After I had my check-up at the beginning of the ninth month, my OB-GYN rushed me to the hospital. Endless tests and examinations revealed a terrible diagnosis - Dorian had myelomeningocele. My world fell apart. I cried constantly, although I knew nothing about that condition. However, judging by the look on the doctor's face, I thought it must have been bad news. When my son was born, I saw him briefly and only kissed him and told him I loved him. He was transferred to a different NICU. At only one day old, he underwent surgery to repair the opening in his spine, followed by surgery to place a shunt to help drain the extra fluid from the brain. I was scared and missed my baby boy so much! In total, my son underwent nine surgeries! Further tests revealed another diagnosis - Chiari malformation type 2, a genetic condition in which tissue of the lower back part of the brain extends into the spinal canal (foramen magnum). It can cause hydrocephalus, leg paralysis, myelomeningocele, and neurogenic bladder (loss of bladder control). Dorian’s life is in danger again! Despite our best efforts, regular physical therapy, doctor’s appointments, and surgeries, the scoliosis is getting worse! Today, his spine is curved by 150%, causing pressure on the heart and lungs. Dorian has breathing difficulties and gets easily exhausted. Although he uses a wheelchair, he goes to bed after school due to the excruciating pain in his body. He often cannot sleep at night! His body is deformed and leaned forward. None of the doctors wants to perform a complex spine surgery, although it would save Dorian’s life! However, the Chiari malformation makes the surgery more risky. Finally, we saw the light at the end of the tunnel! Dorian has a chance to undergo a life-saving, multi-stage, complicated surgical procedure in the USA, performed by a renowned orthopedic surgeon, Dr Feldman, and a neurosurgeon. It’s our last resort! Unfortunately, it costs several million zlotys! It is a price for my son’s life. Dorian: It’s more than a spine surgery - it is a life-saving procedure. I try not to complain and stay positive, but sometimes my pain is unbearable. Although the surgery cost is dreadful, I am more concerned with what will happen to me if I fail to raise the funds. Please, help me. Like other teens, I have many dreams. I love football and cars. The only difference between me and my peers is that I dream of regaining HEALTH and STAYING ALIVE. I am moved by so many people opening their hearts and willing to help! It gives me motivation and strength. Dorian’s mom: Dorian is a happy and extraordinary child who deserves a second chance. I am begging you, please help me save my child!