My name is Iwona. In November 2023, my life suddenly came to a halt. I received a diagnosis that turned my world upside down – breast cancer. This was especially difficult because I had regular checkups, and six months earlier, an ultrasound and mammogram had shown no abnormalities. Yet, the disease appeared suddenly, without any warning.

I underwent intensive and exhaustive treatment, which included several cycles of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and then adjuvant chemotherapy. I am still taking medications to prevent metastasis. The treatment left many side effects – not only in body, but also in soul. Now I'm focused on regaining my mobility, on living each day without pain, and returning to the normalcy that once seemed so obvious. This process requires long-term rehabilitation, supportive therapies, and constant medical monitoring, all of which come at a significant cost.

Since my diagnosis, my life has been focused on treatment and maintaining my health. To continue treatment as recommended by my doctors, I need funds to cover the costs of diagnostic tests, which are necessary to monitor the progress of therapy and preventing disease relapses, including imaging studies, blood tests, and specialist consultations, including abroad. Oncological rehabilitation is also necessary, helping patients recover after surgery, reducing treatment side effects, and improving quality of life. Medications and supportive measures, which are not reimbursed but are essential for continuing therapy, are also necessary, as are travel and visits to specialist centers, which generate additional costs.

My greatest desire is to regain my health and strength, even though I know my pre-diagnosis life will never return. That's why I'm asking for help. Every bit of support, no matter how small, means a great deal to me. Every penny is a step closer to health, peace, and freedom from anxiety. Thanks to you, I can continue costly supportive treatment and undergo tests that aren't reimbursed but are essential to improving my health.