In December 2022, I was diagnosed with a large tumor in my large intestine, which threatened to obstruct my intestine and caused invisible bleeding. After hearing the diagnosis, I denied it. I didn't believe I had cancer, believing it was a mistake and that everything would be clear. In March 2023, I landed on the operating table, and the surgery was successful, allowing me to reconnect my intestines. In July 2024, however, tests revealed metastases to the lungs and liver, which prevented surgical intervention. In March 2026, further metastases were detected, to the brain.

I feel like this is some kind of movie… My life, and yet, it's like someone made a mistake in the script and added so much to it. However, I decided to act. I feel my mission is to gain knowledge and open the door to rigid regulations for myself and other patients – this gives me the strength to keep fighting.

I've now completed radiotherapy and am returning to systemic chemotherapy with CAPOX, which has resulted in partial regression in the liver. The most significant cost now will be the cost of targeted therapy with the PARP inhibitor Niraparib – as this drug is not reimbursed for colon cancer and costs over 40,000 PLN per month. In addition, there are the costs of supportive therapies, private consultations with doctors and an oncology geneticist, psycho-oncological support, appropriate supplementation, and a diet.

Before I got sick, I painted Łowicz chests and other folk objects for almost 20 years, and was a guide at the Reymont Museum in Lipce Reymontowskie. I love folklore and the novel "Chłopi" (The Peasants). This folklore accompanies me every day in my clothes and household items. A folk blanket travels with me to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. On the website https://www.folk.family/ there is still a trace of my passion for folklore.

My closest friends are my husband and children. I have a wonderful family, friends, neighbors, and a local community. Many people in my area know me and are aware of my situation, rooting for me, and supporting me. I'm very, very grateful for that.

Hope never leaves me. I believe I still have a chance to live for years – that my granddaughter, who is now 1.5 years old, will remember her folk grandmother, Marzenka. I would like to have the chance to pass on my family traditions and love of handicraft to her. She gives me the most energy, because I especially want to live for her. I also had a beloved grandmother, and I would so love to be that kind of grandmother to my granddaughter.

If the illness were to subside, I would return to folk art; I'd like to be able to pursue this passion again. I dream of leading folk workshops and guiding museum tours.

Donors are my only chance to fulfill these dreams. Without their help, there's no way to pay for this targeted therapy and supportive therapies. I want donors to know how grateful I am and how much I appreciate every donation. Every donation, even the smallest, is a lifeline for me, and perhaps a chance to be cancer-free.

Thank you for every gesture and for every zloty…