Hello, 

in the December 2023, I found myself in an ophthalmological clinic in Katowice, in Poland, where I was diagnosed with advanced diabetic retinopathy and macular edema in both eyes, as well as optic disc disorders. 

These are the consequences of my permanent, long-term disease – type 1 diabetes, with which I have been living for almost 18 years. At the moment I have "tunnel" vision in my left eye – the image is cloudy, very narrow, I can only see from very close. The right eye – thank God – is still quite functional, but according to doctors this is the last call to react and save it. 

Treatment 

I am currently undergoing laser therapy for both eyes, which involves closing damaged blood vessels in the eyes to protect them against hemorrhages into the eyeballs. Fortunately, these treatments are covered by health insurance. 

From the other hand, unfortunately, treatment of macular edema is only possible through therapy with injections directly into the eyeballs (DME program). The therapy includes a minimum of 3 (optimally 5) injections into each eye. One single injection costs 1,600-1,800 PLN (~400-450 €). 

I am currently waiting for qualification for a several-month program refunded by the Department of Health but the program would not start until May. This program will last only a few months, and according to doctors' prognosis, I will most likely require longer therapy – perhaps for the rest of my life, at my own expense. 

Meanwhile, while waiting for the decision if I’m qualified or not, I must act immediately to save my eyesight. 

Despite the efforts of me and my relatives, I will not be able to afford complete, private therapy – I only have money for 2, maybe 3 injections. 

In addition to injections, I also need the necessary ophthalmological medications and insulin, as well as blood sugar sensors.

My monthly medical costs are currently approximately 2,400-2,600 PLN (~600-650 €) per month, which include: 

Injection: 1,600-1,800 PLN (~400-450 €) 

Doctor's visit: 100 PLN (~25 €) 

Specialized medicines: approx. 300 PLN (~75 €) 

Insulin: approx. 180 PLN (~45 €) 

Sensors: approx. 150 PLN (~35 €).

My injections invoices:

An additional help for me could be the purchase of an insulin pump to effectively treat type 1 diabetes. Unfortunately, insulin pumps in Poland are refunded only for people up to 26 years of age. 

The cost of a specialized pump is 25,999 PLN (~6500 €) (MiniMed 780g), and the monthly cost of maintaining the pump and insulin is an additional expense of approximately 520 PLN (~130 €). 

The amount of money I am trying to collect will provide me with at least a year of treatment with injections and medications, and will also allow me to purchase an insulin pump, and partially cover the costs associated with it. 

My private and professional life 

My name is Łukasz, I am 44 years old and I am a design engineer. My eyesight is necessary to perform my job, and unfortunately I am currently on sick leave. Without support, I will completely lose my sight and I will be left without any means of subsistence or support for my family. I would still like to see and remain independent. I would like to enjoy life again. 

Therefore, I am asking you for support and help in this matter. It is not easy for me to ask you for such help – times are hard and not everyone can afford such a gesture. However, if you can – help – you will have my eternal gratitude.