From the moment she entered the world, little Matylda has been fighting for her life.

Born with Type IV Pulmonary Atresia, an exceptionally rare and complex congenital heart defect that prevents normal blood flow from the heart to the lungs, Matylda was rushed into intensive care just minutes after birth. Instead of taking their newborn home, her parents found themselves facing a heartbreaking battle to keep their daughter alive.

As doctors carried out further examinations, they discovered Matylda was also living with hydronephrosis of the left kidney, DiGeorge syndrome, and severe gastroesophageal reflux, which caused repeated episodes of dangerously low oxygen levels. During some of those terrifying moments, her parents say they had to perform CPR themselves while waiting for medical teams to arrive.

“It is impossible to describe the fear of holding your baby in your arms, praying for another breath,” they shared.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Matylda continued to fight. After developing sepsis, she underwent emergency heart surgery, where surgeons found her blood vessels were barely one millimeter wide, making the already complex procedure even more difficult.

Although the surgery initially brought hope, a series of serious complications followed, including a collapsed lung, severe emphysema, fluid buildup in her abdomen, liver enlargement, and kidney failure. She was placed back on a ventilator as doctors worked tirelessly to stabilize her condition.

Then came one of the most frightening moments of all.

During treatment, Matylda’s heart suddenly stopped. Medical teams performed continuous resuscitation for 16 minutes, and just as they were preparing to place her on ECMO life support, her tiny heart began beating again. For her family, it was a miracle they will never forget.

Now, after everything she has endured, Matylda faces another critical challenge. According to her family, the highly specialized heart surgery she needs is not currently available in Poland. Specialists have recommended treatment at a leading children’s cardiac center in the United States, offering what they believe is her best chance for the future.

Her parents have already obtained pᴀssports and visas and are preparing to travel as soon as possible. However, the cost of the surgery and ongoing medical care is expected to reach several million Polish złoty—far beyond what the family can afford on their own.

“We have always worked hard to provide for our children,” her parents said. “Now we are facing something far beyond anything we could ever prepare for.”

Even so, they refuse to give up hope. They believe the little girl who has survived one life-threatening challenge after another deserves the chance to grow up, laugh with her siblings, and enjoy the childhood every child deserves.

For now, their greatest wish is that the life-saving treatment waiting thousands of miles from home will become a reality, giving Matylda the opportunity to continue the incredible fight she has shown since the day she was born.

Source: Głos Wielkopolski