Aleksy is a cheerful, lively little boy – he loves to play, eat well, and above all, to love and be loved. In the foster family of Ms. Karolina Bąkowska, he finally found the affection, safety, and home he had never known before. It was there that the fight for his health and a better future began. The road hasn’t been easy – this is a story full of challenges, but also of hope. Meet Aleksy – a beneficiary of the Hemmersbach Kids’ Family Foundation, and his foster mom, Karolina Bąkowska.
The Journey to Becoming a Foster Family
Karolina has always had an open heart and a deep desire to help others. Her decision to become a foster parent came from very personal experiences: “I’ve lived in Lower Silesia all my life. Nineteen years ago, I lost my sister to cancer. She had children. The boy was already an adult, but the girls were still underage. No one asked if someone would take care of them – they were placed in an institution. I took them home for holidays and weekends while also caring for my disabled mother. That’s when I promised myself that if one day I could help another child – I would do it.”
Today, Karolina provides foster care. When the opportunity arose to take in a little boy abandoned in the hospital – a child suspected of having FASD – she didn’t hesitate for a moment. That’s how Aleksy became part of her family.
Facing Health Challenges
Aleksy is now 17 months old and faces many health issues caused by his biological mother’s alcohol consumption during pregnancy. He was diagnosed with FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) – a condition that can cause developmental delays, cognitive difficulties, behavioral challenges, and distinctive physical features.
He has undergone gastrointestinal surgery and was fed through a feeding tube for a long time. Aleksy shows symptoms of cerebral palsy and suffers from central sleep apnea, which means he sleeps under the constant supervision of a breathing monitor and camera. He also struggles with allergies and eatings difficulties, requiring special milk formulas. Although he isn’t walking yet, he can already sit and crawl.
“The hardest part is the apnea,” says Karolina. “It’s not the first time we’ve faced it – my older daughter also has breathing issues, but for Aleksy, it’s related to the nervous system. It’s always a source of fear and uncertainty.”
Support from the Hemmersbach Kids’ Family Foundation
The Hemmersbach Kids’ Family Foundation supports Aleksy by funding his rehabilitation. Regular therapy sessions are essential for him to become more independent – to literally stand on his own feet.
For Karolina, every day is a continuous effort to care for her children’s health and development: therapy trips, specialist visits, rehabilitation sessions. The Bąkowski family travels across Poland in search of the best care.
“We celebrate every little thing – what others might see as nothing is a huge joy for us. When Aleksy eats a slice of bread by himself or learns to use a spoon, it’s a victory. For a long time, he drank only milk from a bottle. Now he’s exploring new tastes, trying to stand, play, and make contact – these are everyday miracles,” says Karolina.
Love Stronger Than Any Obstacle
Karolina is fighting not only for his health but also for the regulating of Aleksy’s legal status. Their story is a powerful reminder that love, courage, and determination can truly change a child’s life forever.
