My name is Mikołaj and I am 19 years old. Together with my 13-year-old sister, I live at the “Różany Zakątek” Residential Care Facility in Kutno. I came here one month before my diagnosis, and over time, this place became a true home for me. The atmosphere here is filled with closeness and mutual support. I also keep in touch with my parents and my older sister. After turning 18, I decided that as long as I am still studying, I want to remain at “Różany Zakątek.”

The treatment also left lasting effects that I still struggle with today. I developed Fanconi syndrome, suffered nerve paralysis in my left foot, and also experience frequent and painful foot cramps.

It hasn’t always been easy. During treatment, there were moments of breakdown and overwhelming exhaustion, both physically and mentally. However, I try not to give up. I am the kind of person who, when he falls, knows how to get back up and keep moving forward. Despite everything that has happened to me, I joke around a lot and try to look at life with optimism. My diagnosis was also a difficult experience for my loved ones. The illness had a profound impact on my entire family, and each of us needed time to adjust to our new reality. Above all, though, I want to look toward the future.

My illness began with severe pain in my leg. At first, I thought it was the result of intense cycling, but the pain did not go away and became stronger with each passing day. At one point, I could no longer bend my leg. I was admitted to hospital, where, on November 4, 2023, I was diagnosed with a malignant rhabdomyosarcoma located in my left pelvis. Intensive treatment began, including intravenous chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery to remove the lymph nodes on both the left and right sides of my groin. After completing this stage, I began maintenance chemotherapy in tablet form.

In 2025, the disease returned. This time, a lesion was detected in my left iliacus muscle. It was necessary to begin intensive treatment again, followed by surgery during which the affected muscle was removed. Treatment following the relapse was planned to continue until around the end of August 2026.

It hasn’t always been easy. During treatment, there were moments of breakdown and overwhelming exhaustion, both physically and mentally. However, I try not to give up. I am the kind of person who, when he falls, knows how to get back up and keep moving forward. Despite everything that has happened to me, I joke around a lot and try to look at life with optimism.

My diagnosis was also a difficult experience for my loved ones. The illness had a profound impact on my entire family, and each of us needed time to adjust to our new reality. Above all, though, I want to look toward the future.

In September 2026, I will begin my first year of high school. I have plans for my future – I want to pass my final exams, continue learning and developing, and achieve new goals. The illness has changed many things in my life, but it has not taken away my hope, my sense of humor, or my belief that there are still many good things ahead of me. I also still have plenty of interests. I love building LEGO sets, and I am interested in woodworking, music, computer games, chess, new technologies, and motorcycles. I try to develop my passions and find joy in everyday moments.

What I miss most is being healthy and living a normal life. I want to be able to pursue my plans, develop my passions, and simply look toward the future.

You can make a bank transfer in Mikołaj’s name by sending your donation with the note “Mikołaj Karkuciński” to the following PKO BP account: 33 1440 1231 0000 0000 0184 1262.

You can also make a donation to support Mikołaj by clicking the button: DONATE