We have written about Arek Kukawski many times in these pages. The resident of Milików is a student in the second year of the Nowogrodziec lower secondary school. He has had neither hands nor feet since birth. Until now, he moved around with the help of heavy, poorly fitted prostheses.
Despite his disability, Arek plays football, writes without anyone’s help and operates a computer. He covers the long route from home to school on foot or by bicycle. The only thing missing for complete independence was suitable prostheses for his arms and legs. The cost of purchasing the latter is PLN 50,000. What is more, this type of prosthesis must be replaced every two years. The boy comes from a large family. “His parents certainly cannot afford such an expense,” Alicja Krawczyk, the initiator of the charity campaign, told us.
Both lower secondary school students, the school management and staff, as well as students’ parents, graduates and people of goodwill joined the “Helping Arek” campaign. Last year, a charity concert was organised for Arek, and this year there was a cabaret show.
Thanks to the commitment and generosity of kind-hearted people, the dream of a young resident of our county came true. On Tuesday, 23 February, the boy came to school with “new legs”. The change was immediately noticeable. An upright posture, a smile and satisfaction on his face, and above all – the ease with which he climbed the stairs leading to the school.
During the winter holidays, Arek travelled to Poznań several times with his parents. At last, he has well-fitted, professional prostheses. He still faces rehabilitation and several trips to the capital of Wielkopolska Voivodeship to adjust the prostheses, but finally moving around no longer causes him pain, and walking in the prostheses does not cause wounds.
For the boy to be able to fully use the prostheses, further financial outlays will be necessary. Every month, Arek’s parents must provide him with special silicone liners, which cost more than PLN 200. Every six months, the special sleeves must also be replaced; the cost is approximately PLN 6,000. However, Arek and his parents are looking to the future with optimism.
You can help!
Anyone who wants to provide financial support for Arek can pay money into the following account: Fundacja Dzieciom Niepełnosprawnym „Podaruj Uśmiech” (ING Bank Śląski, account no.: 49 1050 1764 1000 0023 0058 3966), necessarily including the note „Protezy kończyn dla Arka Kukawskiego”.
You can also donate 1% of your income tax:
Fundacja Dzieciom Niepełnosprawnym „Podaruj Uśmiech”
ul. Płocka 5a, 81-535 Gdynia
KRS 0000245254
Be sure to include the note „Protezy kończyn dla Arka Kukawskiego”.
(information from Alicja Krawczyk/ii)