A brain tumor is stealing her youth! Nikola needs your support

Nikola is only 22 years old, yet for many years she has lived in the shadow of an illness that is gradually robbing her of more and more aspects of her daily life. A tumor located in the central nervous system affects her vision, hearing, memory, mobility, and mental health. Each recurrence brings new losses, new complications, and more difficult decisions regarding treatment. Today, it’s hard to predict what tomorrow will bring, because the disease reveals a different face every day.

It all started with asymmetrical pupils

The first worrying symptoms appeared as early as 2017. Pupillary asymmetry and weakness in her left arm marked the beginning of a very difficult journey that continues to this day. Nikola underwent her first surgery at the Children’s Health Center in Warsaw. Even then, serious consequences of the disease were already apparent: partial vision loss, weakness, and neurological issues affecting her behavior and daily functioning.

Over time, it became clear that the tumor was continuing to grow. The benign astrocytoma had mutated into a malignant tumor. From that moment on, Nikola’s life and that of her family turned into a never-ending battle to keep the disease at bay.

Subsequent reprints sold in ever-increasing numbers

In March 2023, Nikola underwent another surgery in Lublin, followed by proton therapy. New symptoms appeared: drooping of the eyelid and numbness in her left hand. The most difficult phase, however, came in 2025. In January, Nikola underwent another surgery in Bydgoszcz, and shortly thereafter she underwent stereotactic radiosurgery.

The disease began to progress very aggressively. She experienced episodes of paralysis, loss of sensation on her left side, memory problems, disorientation, aggressive behavior resulting from neurological damage, and progressive loss of vision and hearing. Today, Nikola has completely lost hearing in her left ear. Her vision is also deteriorating. Every time the tumor grows, it robs her of more bodily functions and causes further neurological complications. The family lives in constant fear of what tomorrow will bring.

A daily life filled with struggle and helplessness

Nikola is currently at home, but she requires a great deal of care and support practically every day. Her health is very unpredictable. There are days when she experiences numbness, loss of sensation, difficulty moving, or episodes of aggression and confusion. Nikola’s mother is practically on her own with all of this. The only one helping her is Nikola’s brother, Albert, who is still in school himself. This family’s daily life consists of constant trips to specialists, rehabilitation, arranging transportation and care, and trying to cope with the rising costs of treatment. They often have to borrow money even for basic needs related to Nikola’s therapy and daily care.

Nikola would still like to live a normal life

Despite her illness, Nikola still loves music, horseback riding, swimming, and physical activity whenever her body allows her a little energy. The illness has brutally robbed her of her youth and sense of independence. Currently, her family is fighting not only for continued treatment and rehabilitation, but also to improve Nikola’s quality of life and to seek help abroad.

The funds raised will be used, among other things, for medical treatment, specialist consultations, rehabilitation, transportation, lodging, medication, a special diet, assistive devices, and care for Nikola. Please support Nikola. Every contribution gives her a chance to continue fighting her illness, improve her daily functioning, and find a little security in a reality that presents her with new dramatic challenges every day.