A baby girl has already overcome more medical emergencies than most people experience in a lifetime, yet her biggest battle may still lie ahead.

Little Matylda was born with Type IV Pulmonary Atresia, an exceptionally rare and complex congenital heart defect that prevents normal blood flow from the heart to the lungs. From the very first moments of her life, her parents’ dreams of bringing their newborn home were replaced by an overwhelming fight to keep her alive.

They had only a few precious minutes to hold their daughter before doctors rushed her into intensive medical care.

After days of specialist examinations, the family received more heartbreaking news. Alongside her severe heart condition, Matylda was also diagnosed with hydronephrosis of the left kidney, DiGeorge syndrome, and severe gastroesophageal reflux, which triggered repeated episodes where her oxygen levels dropped dangerously low.

Her parents say there were terrifying moments when they had to perform emergency CPR themselves while waiting for medical teams to arrive.

“It is impossible to describe the fear of holding your baby in your arms, praying for another breath,” they recalled.

As if the challenges were not already overwhelming, Matylda later developed sepsis, leaving doctors with no choice but to perform emergency heart surgery.

During the operation, surgeons discovered that her blood vessels were even smaller than expected—measuring barely one millimeter in diameter—making the already complicated procedure even more difficult.

For a short time after surgery, there was renewed hope as her heart began working more effectively.

A series of serious complications followed, including a collapsed lung, severe emphysema, fluid buildup in her abdomen, liver enlargement, and kidney failure. Doctors placed Matylda back on a ventilator as they worked around the clock to stabilize her condition.

Then came one of the hardest moments her family has ever faced.

During treatment, Matylda’s heart suddenly stopped beating. After 16 intense minutes of continuous resuscitation, just as doctors were preparing to place her on ECMO life support, her tiny heart began beating again.

For her parents, it felt nothing short of a miracle.

Despite everything Matylda has already overcome, specialists have delivered another devastating reality.

According to her family, doctors explained that the highly specialized surgery she now needs is not currently available in Poland. Her best chance is treatment at a leading children’s cardiac center in the United States.

The family has already secured passports and visas, hoping to travel as soon as possible. Her crucial cardiac catheterization has been scheduled for early April, meaning they must leave for the United States by the end of March.

However, another obstacle stands in their way.

The cost of the complex surgery and medical care is expected to reach several million Polish złoty. Rising international costs and currency exchange rates have made the goal even more difficult to achieve, leaving the family struggling to raise the funds in time.

“We have always worked hard to provide for our children,” her parents said. “Now we are facing something far beyond anything we could ever prepare for.”

Every day, they continue fighting for the little girl who has already shown extraordinary courage.

“Matylda has overcome challenge after challenge since the day she was born,” they added. “We still believe she deserves the opportunity to grow up, laugh with her siblings, and experience the beautiful life every child dreams of.”

For now, their greatest hope is that the life-saving treatment waiting across the ocean can become a reality—and that the little warrior who has already amazed so many people will be given the chance to keep writing her story.

Source: Biznes i Styl