Damian Gogola is our friend and incredibly talented musician. He is one of the best organists in Krakow, whose talent moves to tears and brings smiles that sink deep into the hearts of those who listen to him. For such an artist, perfect hearing is not only a tool of the trade but above all, a key to the world of emotions and communication with participants of liturgy. Unfortunately, due to a serious illness - a non-malignant tumor, but with a high tendency to recur, he is facing the greatest challenge in his life.

He is also an incredibly humble person. The decision to organize this fundraiser did not come easy to him. We had to persuade him for a long time, showing that asking for help is an act of courage, not weakness. We emphasized that his situation requires the support of the community, of which he is such a valued member, and that allowing others to show solidarity and support is also a form of sharing.

Damian underwent a complex operation, including petrosectomy, aimed at removing the skull bone lesion, excision of the right middle ear, and an intervention involving the entire inner ear from the sinus to the jaw joint. The goal of these procedures was not only to remove the tumor but also to minimize the risk of its recurrence. These surgeries resulted in significant hearing impairment for Damian - right-sided deafness, as well as substantial balance problems, significantly affecting his daily functioning and his passion for music. The disease has also left its mark on his left ear, where hearing deterioration is progressing, and a metal drain has also been placed.

Today, he faces another challenge - the necessity of purchasing an advanced hearing system, which is not reimbursed by the National Health Fund, and further treatment, which may give him a chance to regain hearing in the left ear. These costs are immense and exceed his and his family's financial capabilities.

Our goal is to raise a total of 50,000 PLN (Approx. 12,000 EUR) , which will allow for the purchase of the appropriate equipment (approximately 30,000 PLN) as well as further rehabilitation and improvement of mobility.

The hearing aid envisioned by Damian is manufactured by Oticon Medical. It is the Ponto 5 SuperPower model. [https://www.oticonmedical.com/hearing-and-hearing-loss/new-to-bone-conduction/what-you-need-to-know-about-bone-anchored-hearing]

The currently used hearing aid, reimbursed by the National Health Fund, does not meet his needs. For an active musician, an advanced hearing system is essential to fully experience, create, and work with music. The new system proposed utilizes a titanium implant anchored in the bone, enabling sound propagation directly through the skull. This method of sound transmission, similar to that used in bone conduction headphones, bypasses the impedance of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, offering Damian significantly better hearing quality.

Unfortunately, advanced technological solutions that can restore full hearing and allow him to continue his passion are very costly. However, we believe that with the support of the community, we can help him regain the lost sounds of music and return to active professional life.

Through this fundraiser, we aim to appeal for help for our friend so that he can continue his passion for music and active professional life. Every donation, small or large, brings us closer to the goal of enabling a return to full life, into the embrace of Euterpe - his greatest love - music. This is not only a fight for health but also for the opportunity to share his gift with others.

Let's give Damian the chance to return to a world where music is not just a faint echo but a full, rich, and moving experience. Together, we can make these "sounds of hope" a reality.