After our decision to support the "Association for Children with Cancer Disease Koliber" and the "University Children's Hospital" in Cracow, my wife Ewa and I decided it was time to fly to Poland and meet with its founder, Miss Danuta Gilarska. On October 20th we crossed the threshold of the University Children's Hospital in Cracow, accompanied by Miss Gilarska. There we had the honor and pleasure of meeting with the hospital director Dr. Maciej Kowalczyk, his physicians and the nursing staff.
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from left: Danuta Gilarska, president of "The Association for Children with Cancer Disease KOLIBER" Cracow, Poland.
MD, Ph.D. Maciej Kowalczyk, Director of the "University Children's Hospital" Cracow, Poland.
Ziggy & Ewa Serwecinski, founders of the "Lone Star PL Non-Profit Corporation" Houston, Texas USA.
It was a very pleasant surprise when, during my short meeting with the hospital director, he announced his pledge to fully cooperate with us and the "Association Koliber". In addition, he pledged to donate one of the hospital buildings to its cause. As you can imagine, the happiness we felt from hearing this news brought tears to our eyes. Miss Danuta wept with joy because she knew her 10 year old dream could finally become a reality.
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from left: Ziggy Serwecinski, Dr. Maciej Kowalczyk, Danuta Gilarska, Lukasz Zygadlo.
For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the origin of the Koliber foundation, I would like to share a little history and answer the question "Why DOM MISI"? ( House of Misia ). It all began when two beautiful little girls, Hania and Michalinka (pictured at left), were diagnosed with cancer. Today, they would be 14 and 5 respectively had it not been for the dreadful disease that shortened their innocent lives. During their battle with cancer, their parents stayed at their daughters' bed side for many months. During this long vigil, they were unable to get a good night sleep, take a shower or do laundry. It was even more difficult to create an environment for their little angels that would feel more like home to them. Sadly, these beautiful little girls lost their battle with cancer. After their death, their parents vowed to help others who were going through what they had gone through with their little girls. They created the "Association Koliber" whose goal would be to support the "University Children's Hospital in Cracow", and build a home for sick children and their families that would better facilitate their needs during these difficult times. They decided to name this home "Dom Misi" ( House of Misia ).|
According to current plans, the home would be approximately 700m/sq. and function as:
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After the initial visit with Dr. Maciej Kowalczyk and his staff, we faced the most difficult part of our visit. Dr. Stanislaw Kwiatkowski, director of the Neurological Department, took us to meet the children. The hospital environment can be very frightening when you feel so helpless. I have always considered myself to be tough, however, on many occasions, I had to leave the room to wipe a tear or take a deep breath. The moment I will never forget happened when a little girl, who had seemed lifeless for weeks, suddenly began to smile when I placed a medal of Pope John Paul II on her hand.
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Neurological Department; unfortunately a lot of work is still ahead to complete all repairs and renovations.
After we left the Neurological Department we met Slawek, the hospital's kindergarten teacher. He was a young energetic man full of passion and pride when showing us the work of his kids. Because of the constant shortage of supplies in his school, every piece of paper, crayon or paint is used to the last drop, he explained. The room itself is 6m x 3m. filled with old furniture that cannot accommodate the needs of kids in wheel chairs. He showed us his renovation plan, where wall shelves would hold all the books, games and supplies creating more needed space. New tables and height-regulated chairs that are indispensable for children with neurological dysfunctions, would replace the hard old ones. The only thing preventing him from turning his project into a reality is the money necessary to make it happen. After showing us the work of his kids, he explained how they all love to participate in school activities. Taking pride in their work helps them forget about their illness and the hospital for a while and be just like normal, healthy children.
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from left: Ziggy, Ewa and Slawek Trochanowski.
Our next visit was with Dr. Jolanta Gozdzik, head of the Transplantology Department. We had a long conversation followed by a visit to the Ward. Her department, she explained, is not immune to problems and challenges. Perhaps, she said, hers are that much more pressing because they go to the heart of her patients' therapy and recovery. She has many volunteers who are willing to donate their bone marrow for transplants. However, insufficient funds from the National Health Care Fund to cover the cost of lab tests and other necessary procedures prohibit her from collecting the marrow. At the end of our conversation, Lukasz and I suggested the possibility of a fundraiser for this cause or finding a sponsor or sponsors for each willing donor to cover the costs associated with these procedures. Dr. Gozdzik reacted very enthusiastically to this idea.
My first impression of this department was very pleasant. It looked so much brighter and warmer than what I had seen in other areas of the hospital.
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I was informed that this department was recently renovated using funds provided by the Association Koliber".
I must say that it made a great impression on me.
We brought a few small gifts with us, in hopes of bringing some joy to those dear little hearts who have suffered so much. I must confess that it was impossible to stand next to parents filled with so much sorrow and hope at the same time and not be moved. I found myself choosing each word carefully to be sure I said the right things. In the end, no matter how hard you try, your emotions take over and all you can do is move to the side and hide your tears........
During my visit, I met many brave, sick children and their exhausted yet strong parents. In the short time I spent with them, I realized that the small hope they are holding on to is what keeps them going. It was apparent that every smile or kindness they are given eases the pain for a moment, and helps them realize that they are not alone. I will never forget this experience. These images, forever burned into my memory, are my inspiration and motivate us to further support and maintain our commitment to the "Association for Children with Cancer Disease Koliber" and the "University Children Hospital" in Cracow, Poland. Please help us make a difference!!.
To end on a happy note, I wish to inform everyone that the auction of my 2002 V-ROD Harley Davidson was a success. The motorcycle was sold for $20,000. The winner was Deweloper SM Salwator from Cracow. All proceeds were donated to the "Association for Children with Cancer Disease Koliber" in Cracow, Poland. |
from left: Lukasz Zygadlo, Ziggy Serwecinski and Wojciech Popis, director of Salwator
After the official ceremony, I give back to Lukasz his Silver Medal, which he won at the 2006 Volleyball World Championships in Japan. We won this silver medal at his charity auction in July of 2007. The official sponsor of the Polish National Volleyball Teams - "Plus GSM (Polkomtel S.A.)" match our donation, which make this "Silver Medal" auction a huge success!!. Over $30,000 were donated to the "Association for Children with Cancer Disease Koliber" and the Dom Misi (House of Misia) project.
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After receiving the medal; Lukasz Zygadlo try to hide his happy tears.