Help Magdalena Finally Receive the Life-Changing Surgery She Has Waited 35 Years For

My name is Samantha, and I am raising funds for my dear friend, Magdalena Janaszewska.

For 35 years, Magdalena has battled tethered cord syndrome, a devastating condition that has stolen much of her childhood, adulthood, health, independence, and dreams. While most people were building careers, traveling, and planning for the future, Magdalena was simply trying to survive.

Since childhood, she has endured constant pain, profound weakness, neurological symptoms, seizures, and medical crises affecting nearly every aspect of her life. Despite desperately searching for answers in Poland and abroad, her condition remained undiagnosed for decades. As her health deteriorated, she found herself fighting not only her illness but also the frustration of unanswered questions and a medical journey with few solutions.

By the age of 15, Magdalena was confined to a wheelchair, watching opportunities slip away while her peers dreamed about careers, education, and the future. She was unable to complete her studies, pursue her passions, build a career, or create the independent life she longed for. Milestones that many people take for granted were replaced by doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, uncertainty, and pain.

The physical suffering has been relentless, but the emotional toll has been just as profound. Living with a complex illness has meant decades of isolation, financial hardship, and watching life pass by while simply trying to make it through each day.

Yet through it all, Magdalena has never stopped fighting.

Now, after decades of searching, she finally has an opportunity that could dramatically improve her quality of life. A specialized surgery offers hope where there has been so little for so long. This surgery represents far more than a medical procedure—it represents a chance at a future.

A chance to live with less pain.

A chance to regain strength and independence.

A chance to participate in life rather than merely endure it.

Without this surgery, Magdalena’s condition is expected to continue worsening, placing her at significant risk of permanent wheelchair dependence and the loss of even more function and independence. Time is a critical factor, and this opportunity offers her best chance to stop the progression of her condition and reclaim a life that illness has taken from her for far too long.

Magdalena’s surgery will be performed by Petra Klinge, a highly respected specialist at Rhode Island Hospital. Patients travel from across the United States and around the world to seek her expertise.

I know firsthand the difference this surgery can make because I underwent the same procedure with Dr. Klinge last year. Having walked this road myself, I understand the fear, uncertainty, and hope that come with finally receiving answers after years of suffering. Seeing the improvement in my own life makes it especially meaningful to help Magdalena receive the same opportunity. I truly believe this surgery offers her the best chance to preserve her mobility, regain function, and reclaim pieces of the life that illness has stolen from her.

Unfortunately, the costs associated with surgery, medical care, travel, accommodations, consultations, recovery, and related expenses are overwhelming. Like many people living with chronic illness, Magdalena has already carried enormous financial burdens while searching for answers and treatment. Every dollar raised will go toward helping her access the care she desperately needs and easing the financial burden that stands between her and this life-changing surgery.

That is why I am asking for your help.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings Magdalena one step closer to receiving the care she desperately needs. If you are unable to contribute financially, sharing this fundraiser with others would mean just as much.

After 35 years of suffering, Magdalena finally has hope. For the first time in a very long time, there is a real possibility that her future can be different from her past.

Please help us give Magdalena the chance she has waited a lifetime for.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, prayers, and support.

With gratitude,

Samantha