Elias has been battling stage 5 kidney failure since birth, a condition that has shaped every moment of his young life. Now, he is entering the second phase of his journey toward a kidney transplant—a procedure that promises not only a chance at survival but the possibility of truly thriving.
For Elias and the Fabian family, the wait for a transplant has felt endless. Every day brings anticipation, worry, and hope in equal measure. The family dreams of the day Elias will receive a new kidney, a moment that will mark a profound transformation in his life. A transplant will allow him to experience energy and vitality, keeping up with his siblings, exploring the world around him, and meeting milestones that every child deserves to reach. Basic needs—eating, drinking, and playing—will no longer be struggles to overcome but moments of joy.
Over the past 14 months, Elias has fought with extraordinary courage. His resilience in the face of daily challenges is nothing short of remarkable. Each medical intervention, each hospital visit, and each day of discomfort demonstrates the strength and determination of this incredible little boy. He continues to inspire his family and everyone who knows his story, showing that even in the most difficult circumstances, hope and courage endure.
October proved to be an especially tough month for Elias. He endured a six-week hospital admission, followed by three weeks of antibiotics delivered through his port, and returned home with two drains—one relieving pressure from his kidney, the other from his stomach. His medication was doubled, and his fluid intake increased, reflecting the intensity of the care required to stabilize his condition
Despite these challenges, Elias has adapted remarkably well. Each day, he grows a little stronger, navigating his medical needs with surprising resilience for someone so young. His family has remained steadfast, providing unwavering love and care through every procedure, setback, and milestone. Their support has been crucial, allowing Elias to focus on his recovery and maintain his spirit even during the hardest moments.
Next Monday, Elias is scheduled to undergo a general anesthetic for an MRI and a dye CT scan. These critical tests will allow his medical team to develop a safe plan to remove his drains and, ultimately, prepare him for his transplant. The goal is to ensure that Elias can move freely and comfortably, reclaiming a sense of normalcy before the holiday season.
The transplant process itself is a carefully coordinated journey. Donor testing had been paused while Elias recovered from his recent setbacks, but the family is now working closely with Starship Hospital to resume the process. Every step brings them closer to the life-changing moment when Elias will receive a new kidney, a step toward a future filled with health, play, and growth.
The Fabian family’s journey is one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering hope. Each day, they manage not only the medical complexities of Elias’s care but also the emotional and logistical challenges of family life. They have shared that previous fundraising efforts have been a tremendous help, allowing the family of eight to focus on Elias’s recovery and medical needs. Continued support is essential as they navigate this next phase of care, providing the resources, comfort, and stability that Elias deserves.
Elias’s journey is also a story of adaptation and courage. Despite the drains, medications, and repeated hospital visits, he continues to be himself—a lively, determined, and brave little boy who inspires everyone around him. His ability to adjust to the demands of his condition is extraordinary, and each small victory—from eating comfortably to playing with his siblings—is a celebration of his strength.
Through every challenge, the Fabians have remained a unified front, advocating for Elias, providing comfort, and cherishing every moment they can spend together as a family. Their dedication highlights the essential role of parental love and perseverance in the life of a child facing a chronic, life-threatening condition.
The support of friends, family, and the wider community has been invaluable. Donations, messages of encouragement, and gestures of kindness have allowed the Fabians to focus on what matters most: Elias’s health, recovery, and quality of life. Each act of support helps bring them closer to the day when Elias can experience a life beyond survival—a life full of energy, play, and possibility.
Elias’s journey is far from over, but with the love of his family, the guidance of his medical team, and the support of a caring community, he is moving toward a future filled with hope. This transplant represents more than a medical procedure—it is a chance for Elias to live fully, thrive, and embrace the world with the joy and curiosity that every child deserves.
With each day that passes, Elias demonstrates resilience, bravery, and the enduring power of hope. The Fabian family continues to fight alongside him, ensuring that when the day comes for his transplant, Elias will have the chance to live the life he has fought so hard to reach. Their story is a reminder of the incredible strength of children, the devotion of parents, and the transformative power of love and community support.
“Igorek’s Fight: A Tiny Warrior Battling a Life-Changing Digestive Disorder”.1791
When I was pregnant, I counted down the days until I could finally meet my son. I dreamed of the moment I would hold him in my arms, feel his tiny heartbeat, and wrap him in my love. I imagined his first cries, his first smiles, and every milestone we would celebrate together. But the day Igorek was born was a mix of immense joy and deep fear, a day that would change our lives forever.
When the doctors placed my son on my chest immediately after birth, I felt like the happiest person in the world. I could have stared at him for hours, captivated by every detail—the softness of his skin, the tiny fingers curling around mine, and the miracle of life in its purest form. But those first moments of happiness were quickly overshadowed by alarming signs. Igorek refused to eat, and we soon learned that he was suffering from a serious digestive disorder. The fear that filled my heart was indescribable; I realized immediately that our journey would be far more difficult than we had ever imagined.
The very next day, doctors transferred him to the neonatal ward. A drain had to be placed to decompress his stomach and intestines, a delicate procedure for a child so small and fragile. Only three days into his life, Igorek underwent his first stoma surgery. Instead of returning home safely, we spent the following weeks in the hospital, living each day with uncertainty, hope, and fear intertwined. The early days of parenthood became a constant battle, as every small milestone was shadowed by medical challenges.
Unfortunately, the first procedure was not sufficient. After a few months, complications required another hospitalization and a second abdominal surgery. Today, we are preparing for yet another operation. The path ahead remains difficult, and every new procedure carries its own risks and emotional weight. From his very first days in this world, Igorek has faced obstacles no child should ever endure.
Igorek’s digestive disorder has profound consequences for his development. He does not grow and progress like other children his age. Every day, he requires intensive, regular rehabilitation, specialized care, and a strict diet tailored to his condition. These are not optional—they are essential for his survival and for giving him the best chance at a normal, fulfilling life. But the financial burden of these treatments is enormous, far beyond what a single family can manage on their own.
Every parent dreams of seeing their child healthy, happy, and developing naturally. For us, that dream has not yet been realized. Every day is a struggle to provide the care Igorek needs, to schedule therapy sessions, to manage medical equipment, and to monitor his nutrition. Yet, through all the difficulties, Igorek shows incredible resilience. He is small, innocent, and full of potential. His spirit, even in the face of such hardships, inspires hope and determination in all of us who love him.
We are reaching out for help. Your support, whether through donations, sharing his story, or simply sending encouragement, can make a life-changing difference for Igorek. Every contribution helps cover the cost of surgeries, rehabilitation, medical equipment, and a specialized diet that is critical for his growth and well-being. Together, we can give this brave little boy the chance to live, develop, and experience childhood as it should be—filled with joy, learning, and opportunity.
Igorek’s journey is far from over. He has already endured challenges that would overwhelm most adults, yet he faces each day with courage beyond his years. Every therapy session, every medical visit, every step forward is a testament to his strength. With your help, we can give him the resources he needs to thrive, to progress, and to build a future where his dreams are not limited by his medical condition.
Please, join us in supporting Igorek. Help give him hope, help him fight for a better life, and help us provide the care that can allow him to grow stronger each day. Your generosity can be the difference between struggle and opportunity, between a life constrained by illness and a life with a chance to flourish.
He is just a small child, but he is a warrior. From his very first moments, fate has tested him. With your help, we can make sure that he has the care, support, and love he needs to continue this fight and to live a brighter, healthier future.
Parents of Igorek – Polak-Zieliński Family