From the very first days of her life, Julia Nieckula seemed like any other healthy, bright-eyed child. Born in 2011, she delighted her parents with her laughter and curiosity. But at six weeks old, a small spot appeared on her body, something that seemed minor at first. Routine medical checks led to a diagnosis that would change their lives forever: Julia has

neurofibromatosis type I (NF1), also known as von Recklinghausen’s disease. This genetic condition affects the nervous system, blood vessels, bones, eyes, and skin, and can lead to tumor formation, including gliomas in the brain.

The news was shocking. No one in the family had ever experienced anything like this. Although there was no cure for NF1, Julia could be monitored and treated for symptoms. For years, she grew like a normal child, attending school, playing, laughing, and enjoying life like any other little girl.

That peaceful routine lasted until March 2022. Julia began showing unusual symptoms—headaches, loss of appetite, vomiting—but during a local stomach virus outbreak, her parents initially thought it was nothing serious. However, when her eyes began to appear misaligned, they knew something was wrong and rushed her to the hospital.

After urgent examinations, doctors delivered devastating news: Julia had three tumors in her brain, one of them the size of an orange, measuring 7 x 6 x 5 centimeters. Only one of the tumors could be surgically removed; the other two were located near critical optic nerves and the left cerebral hemisphere, causing her worsening vision. The parents were plunged into shock and despair. Their bright, lively little girl now faced a life-threatening diagnosis.

Julia underwent an emergency left parietotemporal craniotomy to remove the operable tumor. The surgery was intense and nerve-wracking for her parents, Magdalena and Adam, who feared for every step of the procedure. The moment the surgery concluded successfully, there was a glimmer of relief—but the battle was far from over.

From May 2022, Julia began her oncology and hematology treatment at the University Children’s Hospital in Kraków, undergoing chemotherapy as the only viable method to control the remaining two tumors. The hospital became a second home for Julia and her family. She faced aggressive treatment, which brought its own side effects: neuropathy, difficulty moving, numbness in her limbs, and worsening bilateral visual impairment due to optic nerve degeneration.

Julia’s schooling was interrupted. She received individualized education at home, as frequent hospital visits and long treatments made attending school impossible. The joyful, social girl she once was became confined to a small world: home and hospital. Still, despite these challenges, Julia maintains a positive attitude and a love for learning and discovering new things.

Currently, Julia’s most urgent needs are continuing her rehabilitation and obtaining a professional magnifier for reading, which will support her vision and help her maintain educational progress. The funds raised by supporters are dedicated entirely to her ongoing care, specialist consultations, and daily therapy sessions. Her parents are deeply grateful for every contribution, as each donation directly impacts Julia’s ability to recover and thrive.

Julia’s story is one of resilience and courage. Despite everything she has endured—the surgeries, the chemotherapy, the long hospital stays, and the side effects of her treatment—she continues to fight. Her parents describe her as brave and determined, a little girl who refuses to let her illness define her spirit.

The road ahead will be long and expensive. Continued therapy, specialist consultations, hospital visits, and supportive devices such as magnifiers are essential for Julia’s daily life and rehabilitation. Magdalena and Adam are committed to doing everything possible to help their daughter regain strength, independence, and hope for the future.

The support of compassionate people can make an enormous difference. Every donation helps Julia continue her rehabilitation, manage the side effects of treatment, and pursue a life full of opportunities despite her diagnosis. Her family asks not only for financial help but also for moral support, encouraging messages, and awareness so that Julia can continue her fight surrounded by love and hope.

Julia’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the strength of the human spirit. She reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, hope and determination can lead to progress. With ongoing treatment and rehabilitation, Julia may one day regain the mobility and vision she has lost and continue to grow into the vibrant, joyful child she was meant to be.

Magdalena and Adam conclude their message with gratitude and a plea: “Thank you for everything you have done for us so far. Please stay with us. Julia still needs your help, and together, we can help her overcome the challenges that lie ahead.”