On October 8, 2025, our lives changed forever.

My boyfriend, Adrian, is only 37 years old. He was healthy, independent, active, and full of life. He was a student at UC Berkeley, a proud and active member of the UC Berkeley Polish Club, a firefighter, and a dedicated WOSP volunteer. He loved skiing, snowboarding, driving his car, and living life on his own terms. He was strong, motivated and loved animals.

That morning, Adrian suffered a massive ischemic stroke.

I was the one who realized something was terribly wrong and called 911, which saved his life. Emergency responders found him with right-sided paralysis, facial droop, and aphasia. He was rushed to the hospital, where imaging confirmed a large left middle cerebral artery stroke. He spent time in the ICU, monitored closely for brain swelling and further complications.

Today, Adrian is alive, and I am deeply grateful for that, but the stroke has taken away almost everything he once had.

He cannot speak.

He has severe weakness and paralysis on the right side of his body.

Simple daily tasks now require help.

Rehabilitation is not optional, it is essential for survival and recovery.

Despite everything, Adrian is hopeful. He understands what is happening. He follows commands. He tries every single day. His doctors believe that intensive, long-term rehabilitation gives him a real chance to regain speech, movement, and independence, but that level of care is extremely expensive and not fully covered by insurance.

This is why I am asking for help.

The funds raised will go toward:

Specialized stroke rehabilitation (speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy)

The best neurologists and rehab specialists

Ongoing medical bills and follow-up testing

Adaptive equipment and supportive care

Giving Adrian the best possible chance to recover his voice and his life

If you are able to donate, please know that every dollar truly matters. If you cannot donate, sharing this page means more than you know.

I am also attaching hospital documentation to show the medical reality of what Adrian is facing.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read this, for caring, and for helping Adrian fight his way back.

With gratitude and hope,

Justyna