A young boy from Środa Wielkopolska has spent most of his life in medical care after being born in 2022 with multiple serious health conditions. Named Mikołaj, his earliest days unfolded not at home, but in hospital wards filled with monitoring equipment, specialist teams, and long periods of intensive treatment.

According to his parents, Mikołaj faced a severe intestinal condition shortly after birth that required immediate medical intervention. As his first months passed, additional complications emerged. He underwent two major heart procedures and later developed kidney-related challenges that further complicated his recovery. Each step forward, they say, came only after careful monitoring and constant care.

“From the very beginning, nothing was simple,” his mother said. “We measured time not in weeks or months, but in breaths, test results, and small signs that he was still fighting.”

Doctors worked to stabilize his condition, but his treatment journey was marked by uncertainty. A later medical procedure led to unexpected complications, adding new obstacles to an already complex situation. Despite this, Mikołaj continued to respond to treatment, showing a resilience that surprised even those closest to him.

His father described the experience as emotionally overwhelming. “There were moments when we didn’t know what the next day would bring,” he said. “But every time we stood by his incubator, we saw a child who refused to give up.”

Throughout his first year, Mikołaj moved between neonatal units, intensive care rooms, and operating theaters. His parents say the hospital became a second home, and the medical staff an essential part of their lives. Small milestones — stable breathing, improved test results, quiet moments of rest — became victories worth celebrating.

Today, Mikołaj’s condition still requires ongoing treatment, regular medical supervision, and daily support from his family. While the road ahead remains uncertain, his parents remain focused on hope and progress. “We don’t look too far into the future,” his mother explained. “We focus on today, and on giving him everything he needs to keep moving forward.”

By sharing their son’s story, the family hopes to raise awareness about the realities faced by children born with complex medical conditions and the emotional toll on families. More importantly, they want others to see what they see every day — a child whose strength goes beyond his size, and whose determination continues to inspire those around him.