Acute myeloid leukemia! I need help to get better!

A disease that returns years later

It all began in 2013 with back pain and pressure on the spinal cord, which caused numbness in my left leg. The cause turned out to be a tumor in the thoracic spine, and as it later turned out, multiple myeloma. After spinal surgeries, hematological treatment began in Gdańsk: first chemotherapy, and in 2014, an autologous bone marrow transplant, which had to be repeated. The disease was brought under control at that time. Unfortunately, in early 2025, tests revealed a new cancer: aggressive acute myeloid leukemia. The first sign was simply feeling unwell and constant fatigue.

The Transplant and Its Aftermath

On August 14, 2025, Małgorzata underwent a bone marrow transplant from an unrelated donor. Just three days later, she suffered cardiac arrest, which shows just how difficult this battle was. After being discharged from the hospital, she began weekly checkups, and in the fall, a serious complication arose: graft-versus-host disease, which Małgorzata continues to battle to this day. Since the beginning of the year, she has been receiving treatment to prevent a relapse, undergoing further photopheresis procedures, and has started a new therapy. Her treatment is still ongoing and requires tremendous perseverance on her part.

The simplest tasks are the hardest

Małgorzata’s biggest daily challenge is something that comes completely naturally to most of us: eating. Because of problems with her esophagus and mouth, every meal—even the smallest one—causes pain when she swallows, just like swallowing a small pill. On top of that, she faces other challenges: for the past three years, Małgorzata has been under the care of a psychiatrist for depression and anxiety, and she has a cardiology consultation scheduled for July. Despite all this, she tries to find the strength within herself every day.

The family that's there for her

Małgorzata lives with her daughter and grandchildren, who are a huge source of support for her. Her daughter works, takes care of the household, and helps her with daily tasks. Her husband works abroad and comes home every two weeks; when he’s home, they go for walks with the dog together, and he takes over some of her responsibilities. Her mother and son also help her get to her checkups in Gdańsk. It is this closeness to her family that keeps Małgorzata going.

Small joys that make life sweeter

Before her illness changed her life, Małgorzata worked at the Polish Kennel Club, caring for dogs, and her love for dogs has stayed with her to this day. As soon as she feels better, she takes her dog for a walk, picks up her granddaughter from preschool, watches her favorite TV shows, or bakes a cake. It is these little pleasures that give her strength and remind her that life can still be good.

Let's Help Małgorzata

The funds raised will be used to cover the cost of non-reimbursable medications, transportation for treatment, and daily living expenses. Every donation means one less worry for Małgorzata and a little more peace of mind, so she can focus on her recovery and on those ordinary moments that are most precious to her: walking her dog, the smell of freshly baked cake, and her granddaughter’s laughter.