09.10.2025

It has been two years since I finished chemotherapy and 1.5 years since I finished radiotherapy.

I am still in remission, but this is not how I imagined my recovery. I am still suffering from side effects, some of which have worsened. I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism caused by radiotherapy. I am also going through mechanical menopause, mainly caused by chemotherapy. I am not feeling my best, and the above factors have greatly affected my mental health and daily functioning. My depression and anxiety have worsened, making it difficult for me to live a normal life. I still have symptoms of polyneuropathy (damage to nerve endings). In addition, my ENT specialist suspects that I have cholesteatoma (i.e., exfoliated skin accumulating in the ear), which results in hearing loss, chronic inflammation, and headaches. The only treatment is surgery. My latest test results indicate low immunity, which largely prevents me from spending long periods of time outside the home. I am constantly catching something, if not a cold, then sinusitis, etc.

The Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) has twice refused to grant me a disability pension due to total incapacity for work, and I am not entitled to any support benefits either. The only thing I have received is a care allowance of PLN 215.84. The Social Welfare Center (OPS) also refused to help, citing that I exceeded the income threshold. Unfortunately, the worst has happened: my husband, who is the sole breadwinner of the family, has lost his job. He is registered as unemployed at the Employment Office, but he will not be eligible for benefits until December. Of course, he is looking for a job, but until he finds one, we are left without any means of support.

I am therefore asking for help in the form of even a symbolic donation of one zloty and/or sharing this fundraiser.

Groceries and medicines, without which I cannot function, would also be helpful.

I hope that my luck will finally change and my situation will improve, allowing me to get back on my feet, return to work, and live a normal life. I am doing my best, applying for assistance wherever I can, but every time I hit a brick wall. This is absurd, because I am a person with a significant disability, with a significant limitation of my independent existence, completely unable to work, and the state refuses to help me.

That is why I am forced to ask for help from people of good will. Thank you in advance for your support.

With respect and best wishes for your health

Agnieszka ❤️