Our Story: Fighting for Janinka’s Sight

Our beloved twins, Anielka and Janinka, came into this world far too early—born at just 28 weeks of gestation. Their arrival, though a miracle, marked the beginning of a journey no parent is ever truly prepared for. From their very first moments, they faced overwhelming challenges that no child—or parent—should have to endure. Their tiny, fragile bodies were unready for life outside the womb and required immediate, round-the-clock, intensive medical care.

Anielka, our firstborn, was smaller and weaker at birth. But even in those early days, she showed a quiet strength. With each passing day, she gained weight, her breathing steadied, and her tiny heart beat stronger. Her resilience became a beacon of hope for us. Janinka, on the other hand, began her journey with a different set of battles—ones that would continue to unfold over the coming months, especially concerning her eyesight.

The first days and weeks after their birth were a whirlwind of machines, monitors, and medical procedures. Both girls were placed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the University of Gdańsk, receiving specialized care to address a range of serious health concerns: underdeveloped lungs, anemia, metabolic imbalances, and recurring infections. They were surrounded by a symphony of beeping machines, the warmth of incubators, and the steady hands of compassionate doctors and nurses. Each hour was a fragile step forward—an exhausting dance between hope and fear. As parents, we lived moment by moment, clinging to every small victory, and bracing ourselves for every possible setback.

It was during this critical time that we received the devastating news: Janinka was diagnosed with severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in both eyes. Despite early intervention with specialized medication and laser therapy, her right eye rapidly deteriorated. She developed stage IV ROP, complicated by vitreous hemorrhage and a detachment of the retina. The condition left her right eye visibly smaller, and its ability to function hangs in the balance. Without urgent and advanced treatment, we face the heartbreaking possibility of her losing that eye completely. Her left eye, though in slightly better condition, is also affected, and her vision remains extremely fragile.

The most recent examination brought even more concern. Doctors discovered fresh bleeding in Janinka’s right eye—an alarming sign that her condition is unstable and deteriorating. On May 15th, a highly delicate procedure is scheduled in Gdańsk. Doctors will explore the eye to determine whether there is a final surgical option to preserve any remaining vision. If this intervention fails, our next step may take us beyond Poland—to specialized pediatric ophthalmology clinics in Germany or the UK that offer cutting-edge treatments for premature infants with severe eye damage.

Janinka’s visual impairment has deeply impacted her daily life and development in ways that are difficult to put into words. The world—so full of color, shape, and motion—is often a disorienting and frightening place for her. She struggles with movement and balance and experiences frequent anxiety when her position changes unexpectedly. Simple tasks that most babies take in stride can leave her feeling overwhelmed and insecure. Her developmental delays affect both her physical growth and her emotional well-being. Janinka now requires a tailored rehabilitation plan, including vision therapy, occupational therapy, and intensive physical therapy to give her the tools she needs to navigate the world and live as fully as possible.

And yet, despite everything, Janinka’s spirit remains unshaken. Her strength is quiet but fierce. She’s endured more in her short life than many adults ever will, and yet she continues to fight. Every small achievement—a smile, a calm gaze, a playful gesture—is a monumental victory. Her twin sister, Anielka, is never far away, watching protectively and offering silent encouragement. Their older brother, Antoś, speaks often of the day when his little sister will be able to play with him freely, without fear, without limits. Their bond as siblings gives Janinka strength and reminds us daily of what we’re fighting for.

As parents, nothing prepares you for the possibility of your child losing her sight. The emotional toll is staggering. Every doctor’s visit, every test result, every potential treatment weighs heavily on our hearts. But no matter how daunting the road ahead, we refuse to surrender. We are committed to doing everything in our power—traveling abroad, seeking expert opinions, and dedicating every available resource—to give Janinka the best possible chance of saving her vision.

Janinka’s story is not just one of medical struggle. It is a testament to hope, love, and the unwavering resilience of the human spirit. It is about a family united in adversity, fighting to give their daughter a life filled with beauty, joy, and possibility. Every surgery, every therapy session, and every sleepless night is a step toward that dream—a dream where Janinka can see her family’s faces, run hand-in-hand with her siblings, and discover the world with open eyes and an open heart.

Today, we are reaching out to you—with open hearts and immense gratitude—for your support. Whether through financial contributions, spreading awareness, or offering emotional encouragement, your help means the world to us. Every act of kindness brings us closer to the chance of preserving Janinka’s sight. The road ahead is uncertain, but we are not alone. We believe in the strength of our daughter, the love of our family, and the compassion of the community around us.

Anielka and Janinka have already shown us what courage truly means. Now, it is our turn to be brave for them. We will not stop fighting until every option has been explored, every door knocked on, and every possibility pursued. Janinka’s right eye may be at risk—but our determination to give her a bright future is stronger than ever. With love, hope, and your support, we believe that brighter days are still ahead.