We’re starting a challenge for Josef! 💚#UsłyszJosef

We come to you today with an important message. In November 2023, our son Josef was born. He is now almost 10 months old, and he’s already facing a big life challenge – one we as his parents are fully committed to overcoming.

Josef was born with profound bilateral hearing loss, which means that to hear and speak, he will need cochlear implants. These are the only way he can learn to speak and communicate verbally with the world around him.

Thanks to your incredible support, we were able to raise funds for the first surgery. Josef has successfully undergone the first of the two operations. Rehabilitation is underway, and our son has heard the sounds of the world around him for the first time!

Your help, kindness, and generosity during the first fundraiser were beyond words. The events, live actions, and countless gestures of solidarity helped us overcome the first hurdle. The newsletter that started during that time continues to grow, tracking the progress of our shared mission – helping Josef hear the world!

Our Next Challenge

Now the next step lies ahead: the second operation. In November or December, Josef will be able to receive his second implant, completing this mission. That’s why we are turning to you again, asking for your help. This is the final stretch!

Our Approach to Josef’s Hearing Loss

Josef is a joyful child who loves to cuddle and rock himself in his favorite little chair. :) Despite being only 10 months old, he shows us every day how much he longs to explore the world around him – even the parts still out of his reach for now.

As parents, we want to instill in him a respect for life, the value of hard work, an attitude of gratitude, and a sense of responsibility. We want him to explore the world through all his senses, including hearing and speech.

Josef’s Current Health

Shortly after birth, it became clear that Josef had hearing problems. Further tests confirmed it was profound bilateral hearing loss. Without cochlear implants, Josef will not learn to speak fluently, and his communication will be limited. We believe that the ability to speak will open doors to a fuller life for him, offering him opportunities for creativity, self-expression, friendship, love, and meaningful work.

The situation is urgent because babies begin hearing in the womb around the 16th week of pregnancy. Josef, having missed this crucial stage, is already delayed in learning to speak.

The first implant has been successfully placed. Now, Josef is beginning to discover the world of sounds. To fully benefit from the possibilities offered by the implants, he needs a second one.

Upcoming Surgery Timeline

The coming months are crucial. The first implant is in place, and now it's time for the second. Every moment is precious for Josef to fully experience the world of sounds waiting for him.

Early implantation increases Josef’s chances of successful rehabilitation and learning. Doctors confirm that during the first year, a child’s brain has a high degree of neuroplasticity, which means better ability to learn and develop. Early implantation gives Josef the best chance to grow and learn more easily.

We hope the second implant can be placed around Josef’s first birthday, making the most of this critical developmental window. The first implant has been successfully placed, and now we’re preparing for the second. We’re almost there!

Rehabilitation and the Future

Josef is already undergoing rehabilitation after his first implant. Sessions with a speech therapist, learning to recognize sounds, and beginning to speak are essential steps in the process that will allow our son to fully enjoy his newfound ability to hear.

The Fundraising Goal is 138,000 PLN

This is the amount needed to finance the second implant surgery.

These costs cover not only the surgery but also the necessary tests, hospital stays, and one year of care for adjusting the sound processor. The total cost of the second surgery is 32,000 EUR, approximately 138,000 PLN. This is an estimate, as the euro exchange rate has fluctuated in the past year, and surgery costs are quoted in euros. We are also including expenses for essential accessories and logistics.

We kindly ask for your support in raising the funds for the surgery to implant Josef’s second cochlear implant, which will allow him to hear.

Why Are We Raising Funds This Way and Not Through the National Health Fund (NFZ)?

With our efforts and commitment, we want to instill in our son a sense of resourcefulness and empathy. We have ideas to gather the necessary funds, which is why we chose not to take a place in the reimbursement queue for people in similar situations who don’t have the same options. After observing others in the hospital corridors, we believe this is the right decision.

We want this to be a unique fundraiser. We firmly believe that we can offer something of value that will help fully fund Josef’s operations. That’s why during the collection, we will offer various products and services that we will personally create for you.

How You Can Help

Your support can take many forms – from making a donation to sharing this fundraiser, or participating in other initiatives that support our cause. Every gesture matters.

Join us on Josef’s journey to hearing! 🎵

Join us on Josef’s journey to hearing! :) Every donation, even the smallest one, brings Josef closer to a world where he can hear and speak. This isn’t just an operation; it’s a chance for Josef to live in a world full of sounds and words, to communicate verbally, build relationships, and contribute to the lives of others. Your help will change Josef’s life. Donate now and share our mission.

Thank you for every bit of support.

Josef, Daria, and Norbert

#UsłyszJosef