Sometimes we need a helping hand. Saints Louis Polonia aspires to be a place that connects people’s stories and causes with people who want to help.   Thus, we turn to you, a wide Saint Louis Polonia community of members and friends, with an appeal to help a little boy from Poland.

You can learn more about Jonathan’s story by following this link https://www.siepomaga.pl/en/jonathan

In few weeks, Jonathan will arrive in St Louis Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery 
His mom, Agnieszka Lach, has reached out to Saint Louis Polonia for help with fundraising and accommodations in St Louis.

We are currently helping a family of Jonathan Lach who will arrive at St Louis in September to undergo a Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery to eliminate spasticity (muscle stiffness) in some children with cerebral palsy.

ABOUT JONATHAN

Jonathan is a very bright, 3-year-old boy who loves tractors, diggers, and all engines. He has two older sisters Sarah and Sophie. They love each other so much.  Unfortunately, Jonathan’s right side of the body is affected by spasticity, he cannot walk independently, as he is not able to balance his body.

Jonathan was born prematurely at 27 weeks +2 days as an identical twin with only 997g weight, in Dublin hospital in July 2018. Very sadly his twin brother Daniel died in utero shortly before delivery. Both babies were affected by twin to twin transfusion syndrome. As a result of this, Jonathan suffered hypoxia.  Since discharge from the hospital, where Jonathan spent 3 months, his days have been filled with medical appointments (cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, dietitian, osteopath), physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, all in the fight for his mobility and independence in future. 

ABOUT SDR

Spasticity has an impact on motor function and quality of life. It can affect gait, cause pain, and contribute to muscle contractures which can lead to deformities. Nerve fibers running from the muscles back to the spinal cord play a major role in maintaining the typical muscle stiffness seen in spasticity.  SDR is a surgical procedure performed on these spinal nerve fibers to eliminate levels of spasticity in the legs.

After SDR surgery, Jonathan will be able to walk independently.

You can learn more about SDR Surgery by visiting this website:  https://neurosurgery.wustl.edu/items/spasticity-cerebral-palsy/

COST 

The total estimated cost of surgery, physiotherapy and travel with basic accommodations in St Louis is $120,000. 

HOW CAN YOU HELP

If you are able to provide housing for Jonathan and his parents during their stay in St Louis 

from September 15 to October 21, please send us an email

 

DONATIONS

Via Paypal to Saint Louis Polonia- please follow this link

Paypal.me

 

 

 

By check issued to “Saint Louis Polonia Inc.” with the note in the memo section “for Jonathan Lach” to the following address:
Saint Louis Polonia Inc., 3 Seawood Ct St Louis, MO 63146

NOTE: 100% of donations received by Saint Louis Polonia will be transferred to Jonathan’s family (no administrative costs)

You can also submit your donations through fundraising sites:

IN POLAND

Fundacja Serca Dla Maluszka  link:  https://sercadlamaluszka.pl/nasi-podopieczni/jonathan-lach

Siepomaga fundraiser:  Polish version https://www.siepomaga.pl/jonathan    English Version: https://www.siepomaga.pl/en/jonathan

IN IRELAND https://ie.gofundme.com/f/jonathans-wish-to-walk-sdr-surgery

 

Please help Jonathan with a chance for a better life

Please share, support ❤️