Help Jelena Fight Syringomyelia – Urgent 3rd Surgery

GOAL: €9,000

STORY:

UPDATE – AUGUST 2026

My name is Jelena Vujić. I am 38 years old, a mother of three children, and I am fighting a rare and progressive spinal cord disease called syringomyelia.

This GoFundMe campaign was originally created by my husband, Ivan, in 2025, when I was preparing for my second spinal surgery in Istanbul, Turkey. At that time, we hoped that the surgery would stop the progression of my disease.

Unfortunately, my journey did not end there.

My symptoms first began in 2023 with severe neurological problems, including weakness and loss of sensation on the left side of my body, episodes of paralysis, severe dizziness and intense neuropathic pain. I also experienced changes in my ability to sense whether water was hot or cold, along with many other neurological symptoms.

After months of examinations, MRI scans, a lumbar puncture, blood tests and different treatments, I was diagnosed with syringomyelia – a rare disease of the spinal cord.

My family and I spent years searching for a way to slow the progression of this disease.

On February 18, 2025, I underwent my first surgery in Barcelona, Spain. Unfortunately, after several months, my symptoms returned and the disease continued to progress.

On December 17, 2025, I underwent my second spinal surgery at Memorial Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. The procedure included spinal stabilization with bone grafts, four implants and two stabilizers.

We hoped this surgery would finally give me a chance to stop the progression of my disease.

Sadly, my symptoms returned again.

Today, I am facing another difficult chapter.

I am now preparing for my third spinal surgery, this time in Germany, and the operation is less than one month away.

The total cost of the surgery and treatment I need is €18,000. We understand that this is a very large amount, so our goal with this campaign is to raise €9,000 toward the necessary costs.

My husband Ivan, who currently works in Germany, created this GoFundMe campaign to help me. The financial burden of my treatment is extremely difficult for our family, and we are doing everything we can to make this treatment possible.

I am a mother of three children, and they are my greatest strength and my reason not to give up.

I know that we may not be able to raise the entire amount we need, but every single donation matters. Even €5, €10 or €20 can make a difference when many people come together.

If you cannot donate, please consider sharing my story. A single share can reach someone who may be able to help.

I am not asking for pity. I am asking for a chance — a chance to receive the treatment I need and, most importantly, to continue being there for my children.

Please help me reach my third surgery. Every donation, every share and every kind word means more to me and my family than I can express.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has already supported us and to everyone who takes the time to read our story.

With love and gratitude,

Jelena & Ivan Vujić ❤️