Acute lymphoblastic leukemia has put the brakes on Kornel's dreams

The battle against acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most difficult exam he has faced so far.

This is an exam of patience and courage. Kornel himself would like to share his story with you.

Hi, my name is Kornel and I suffer from acute lymphoblastic leukemia. I would like to share my story hoping this will help you get to know me better.

My eighteenth birthday is approaching, and I have unfortunately ended up in the "Cape of Hope" clinic in Wroclaw. It is a huge blow to me that I will spend such a crucial period of my life in a hospital bed, but I realize that this is my only chance to live in the future the way I used to - without any restrictions, the way I loved.

Until just a month ago, I was thinking the same way as most people my age. Eighteen years old and a whole life ahead of me, trivial problems, plans for the future. It would never have occurred to me that all this could crumble like a house of cards in an instant. I led an average life: school, sports, meeting friends, working at a local restaurant and spending my free time with my beloved girlfriend.

My passion is strength training. For the past 1.5 years I have been going to the fitness club practically non-stop, five times a week. I subordinated my entire daily schedule to my passion, my work and my irreplaceable friends. Now there is none of that left....

Before I found out I was sick, I didn't sense that something was developing in me. The disease attacked me suddenly, trying to destroy me from the inside. Like the worst enemy, it takes away from me what a young person cares about most - dreams. It closes the door to a normal life for me, to being an ordinary teenager who is searching for his path and role in life. A teenager who is just entering adulthood and slowly getting to know himself.

As is unfortunately the case in life, misfortune walks in pairs. The same day we found out about my illness, my dad lost his job. From that moment on, all financial issues rested on the shoulders of my mother, who does what she can to keep me from seeing it - and I do see it....

Since I've been here in "Cape of Hope," my life has changed 180 degrees. The world has stopped for me, and although the sun still shines, it rains, inside me only darkness has come. My hitherto orderly life lay in ruins....

I WOULD LIKE TO RETURN TO MY NORMALCY, BUT I KNOW THAT I MUST FIRST DEFEAT THE ENEMY THAT IS INSIDE ME, AND THE BATTLEFIELD IS ME....

- Cornel

Kornel's statement is a cry of despair, a plea. And yet it all started inconspicuously. During one of his workouts at the gym, his heart was palpitating badly and he lacked strength. He gave up further exercise due to exhaustion, sleeping through most of the afternoon.

Kornel's mother assumed that he was sleeping off his youthful sojourns or relaxing after work at the restaurant. After all, her son had an active lifestyle and there was never a moment for boredom. At the end of May 2024, the teenager visibly turned pale. He didn't suspect anything wrong, and was considering changing his diet, although he was eating really healthy.

Due to his deteriorating health, he asked his mother to arrange a medical appointment for him. On the morning of May 27, 2024, he had tests done, and in the afternoon his mother received a phone call from the clinic. The message was very disturbing:

Please quickly report with your son to the hospital in Swidnica, the doctor is already waiting for you.

The warrior stayed in the facility all night, and a blood transfusion was scheduled for the next day. Instead, the orderly decided to transport the boy by ambulance to a clinic in Wroclaw. At the "Cape of Hope" the diagnosis was made: acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Helplessness, shock, crying. The mother cuddled her almost grown son to herself, not believing what they had just heard.

However, they repeated to each other that everything would be fine and they would manage. After a few days in the clinic, Kornel said in a firm voice that it was high time to start fighting the "intruder," that he would recover quickly and return home to continue his normal life. He has a long and unique list of dreams to achieve. Mom added that it will be something of a challenge for him, a challenge, and together they will overcome the disease!

The brave teenager has tremendous support from his family and friends. They regularly call him, visit him and wish him a speedy recovery. Contact with peers is very important to Kornel. Despite the difficult time he is currently going through, he is still optimistic about the future. He trusts the doctors and believes that he will recover, as he is supported in his struggle by the wonderful and wise people who make up the clinic's staff.

The situation in which our brave warrior finds himself is not temporary. His struggle is just beginning and will last for many months. It will require many sacrifices and a lot of money. Every support is needed. Kornel and his parents are confident that they will not be left alone! Even the smallest donation will help cover the necessary costs associated with their child's recovery.