My grandmother used to help, now she's fighting cancer. Michal (19), a wheelchair rider, asks for help to relieve his family
Michal seems calm, composed and speaks clearly about things that would have brought others to their knees. Living with a physical disability brings many limitations, but when illness in the family intervenes, the limits of possibilities reach a breaking point. "I believe that by sharing my story, I can not only find help, but also show that even difficult situations can be handled," he says in an interview in which he describes the daily reality and what helps him stay mentally strong.
Michal, in an e-mail you said that your family is going through a difficult time. Could you describe what has changed and how it translates into your daily life?
My family is going through a difficult time mainly because of my grandmother's health situation, who is battling cancer, and also because of my own situation - I am in a wheelchair. This combination has fundamentally changed our daily routine and priorities. We are more close-knit as a family, but at the same time, there is a greater burden on us. My mother is unable to work due to caring for all of us, which brings financial complications.
You also mentioned that it was your grandmother who helped you for a long time. What is your relationship with her and how has her illness affected the whole family?
My grandmother has always been a great support for me. We have a very close relationship. Her illness has affected the whole family - we try to help her as much as we can. It's been a difficult time, but it's also brought us closer together and reminded us how important it is to stand by each other.
Your mom has to drive you around a lot now, so she can't go to work. What's a typical day like for you?
It's a little quieter now during the holidays because I don't have school commitments. I work part-time from home, which I can schedule around my needs. During the school year it's more complicated - my mum drives me to and from school, plus I have work, rehab, doctors' appointments. I try to manage everything efficiently and be as independent as possible. Sometimes I also help my younger sister with her homework - she just finished third grade.
Why did you decide to set up a fundraiser specifically for the purchase of a specially adapted car? What would such a car allow you to do?
I started a fundraiser for a specially adapted car because it would make our lives much easier. It would give me more independence - transport to school, to rehabilitation, to doctors - and it would make my mother feel better. She would be able to devote more time to her work and taking care of my grandmother. It's not just help for me, but for the whole family.
Do you have an idea of what you would like to do in the future - perhaps after school or professionally?
After school, I would like to work in logistics or financial services, which is what I am studying. My goal is to be as self-sufficient as possible while continuing to support my family.
What was the decision for you to go public with your story and ask for help through the Donio platform?
It was not an easy step, but I believe that by sharing my story I can find help and also show that even challenging life situations can be fought. Being open can be a path to change.
What helps you stay mentally afloat in this challenging situation? Do you have people around you that you can rely on?
My family and friends are my biggest support. Even though it's hard sometimes, I try to keep a positive attitude. It helps me to know that we are not alone.
What would you say to people who have already supported you or are considering doing so?
I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart. Your support really means a lot to us - it not only gives us practical help, but also hope and the feeling that we are not alone in this.
Is there anything that you would like people to take away from your story - perhaps about living with a disability, the challenges of everyday life or the importance of helping each other?
I wish people would realise that living with a disability is not the end of the world. It is full of challenges, but also full of joy. Mutual help and understanding are very powerful. And I would also like to remind people how important it is to spend time with loved ones - we never know how much time we have.
What makes you happy now?
Most of all, I enjoy the positive energy of people. When someone smiles, shows interest or does something nice, it can make the day better not only for me, but for others as well. And the moments when we are together as a family - while we still can - make me the happiest.
You can support or share the fundraiser through the Donio platform, you can find it on the platform's website under the name "Freedom and self-sufficiency for Michal".
