I was born into a life that put obstacles in my path from the very beginning. Some kids worry about toys or trips, while I worried whether I would have a place to bathe, food to eat, or how to earn money for a treat that others could have without a second thought.

Full Story:

I was born in 1999 in Trnava. My arrival into the world was not easy – my mother considered an abortion because she didn’t want a child with my father. When I was 4, she had an accident that left her in a wheelchair.

Shortly after, at the age of 6, I was involved in a serious car accident on my way to school. I suffered a moderate concussion and a broken leg, with the risk of permanent consequences.

At 8 years old, during swimming lessons, all the kids would go to the bakery during breaks, but I couldn’t afford it. My grandmother gave me a pizza, which I sold to my classmates piece by piece, and with the money I earned, I bought sweets. It was my strongest childhood memory – the first moment I realized I had to be resourceful just to have what others had.

We lived very modestly. My mother on a wheelchair and my great-grandmother on a pension raised me with a combined income of around €600. There were periods when we didn’t have gas or water paid, so we heated water in pots and poured it into the bathtub. We heated with briquettes, and in winter, my great-grandmother would place a heated tile in our blankets so we wouldn’t freeze. My father left when I was 7 and was completely absent for two years.

During elementary school, I played football, which helped me cope with stress. I also experienced bullying – fights and occasional mockery that lasted several years.

My perspective then: I didn’t understand why this was happening, I often felt lonely and misunderstood.

My perspective now: I see that these challenges taught me survival, resourcefulness, and never to give up.

After moving to Hlohovec because we lost our home, we lived in office spaces converted into temporary housing. I lived briefly with my mother, but when she couldn’t manage, I went to my father. From the age of 13, I worked for him on construction during holidays. There were constant arguments at home, and health care was almost nonexistent.

In high school, I began practicing Muay Thai, which became my way of coping with stress and difficult periods. I was among the better students, planned to graduate with two foreign languages, and continue to university. However, I knew financially I couldn’t manage – my father couldn’t handle money, and I would have had to work daily alongside school.

In my final year, I arranged individual study so I could take care of my mother, who was living in a hostel – a place synonymous with a ghetto. From the money I received for meals, I bought food for her. Despite all obstacles, I successfully graduated.

My perspective then: I felt lonely, but proud that I could help my mother.

My perspective now: This period gave me strength and courage to take care of myself.

After school, I worked several jobs and briefly for my father. Things were going well – we got a major contract, and I earned above average. Life seemed to be moving in the right direction, but shortly after, my mother passed away – the only person who always believed in and supported me.

I found out on my own while shopping for clothes. My step-uncle called me and told me that my mother had died and that I should go to the hostel where she had lived. I remember being immediately shaken, my knees gave out, and I felt an enormous emptiness. It was the first time I truly understood the word “grief” and the depth of losing someone who was my guiding light.

The COVID-19 pandemic slowed everything – there was very little work and low pay, and for a year and a half I lived month to month. Eventually, I moved to Vienna, first working as a painter, then as a tiler. I earned more, but it still wasn’t enough for my dream of owning a home and starting a family.

Together with a friend I have known for 20 years, who also owes me money, we founded a company. I decided to buy an apartment as a strategic step. The plan was clear: buy the apartment, renovate it, and sell it for a higher price. During the renovation, I used it only as a place to stay while working abroad, earning money to fund the renovation. This plan was meant to ensure financial stability and prepare me for independence and a future family.

However, partner failures, financial difficulties, and health issues put me at a crossroads in life. I eventually had to sell the apartment and faced debt and life challenges on my own.

My perspective: I felt betrayed and exhausted, but today I know that despite all the setbacks, I am still standing. Every experience taught me that moving forward is the only way.

Why I need support

Currently, I need approximately €55,000, divided as follows:

2. Debts and obligations – €36,000•

€20,000 – bank

€15,000 – family and friend

€1,000 – health insurance contribution

Every contribution will help me stand firmly on my feet, start a new life, and build a stable future.

Closing statement:

I don’t aim for luxury. I want a home for my future family, freedom from debt, time for sports and raising children, and the ability to live life on my own terms – without a boss. This story shows that even when someone grows up in difficult circumstances and experiences many hardships, they should never give up and always keep moving forward.