September 1, 2025, started like any other day—back to school, the end of summer, and all the emotions that come with it. But in a matter of 40 minutes, everything changed, and our world was turned upside down.

Maja, my bright and lively daughter, had just returned home from her first day of third grade when she suddenly began complaining of a headache. It quickly escalated as she started vomiting uncontrollably. In a panic, we rushed her to the emergency room. Within moments of arriving, Maja lost consciousness and required immediate resuscitation. As the doctors worked quickly to stabilize her, they performed a CT scan that revealed the terrifying truth—an arteriovenous malformation with bleeding into her cerebellum. The results were clear: urgent surgery was necessary to save her life.

I couldn’t fully comprehend what was happening. One moment, Maja was heading to school with a backpack full of dreams and excitement for the year ahead; the next, we were fighting for her life. My heart was in pieces as I watched my daughter, once so vibrant and full of energy, now unconscious and fighting for survival.

The surgery was a success, but Maja’s journey was just beginning. She spent the next three weeks in the intensive care unit, connected to a ventilator. I spent every moment by her side, praying, hoping, and begging for my daughter to pull through. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing her. I would stare at her, helpless, feeling so small in the face of such a giant force. But my sweet girl proved to be a fighter.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Maja woke up. She was breathing on her own, and her eyes fluttered open. I couldn’t contain my tears of relief, though the road ahead was far from easy. She was transferred to the neurosurgery ward, where she began the slow and painful journey to recovery.

But Maja’s struggles were far from over. The doctors told us she would need extensive rehabilitation and therapy. She has paralysis on the right side of her body, and due to the prolonged intubation, she lost her swallowing reflex and is unable to speak. A tracheostomy tube is still helping her breathe. Each day, she faces new hurdles, and we are constantly reminded of the long road ahead.

Maja’s treatment is far from over. She needs ongoing therapy, regular visits to specialists, and medical care that goes beyond what we can afford. Her rehabilitation needs are immense, and we are waiting for a spot at the Children’s Memorial Health Institute, where she can receive the specialized care she requires. The cost of this ongoing care is staggering, and as a family, we are struggling to keep up with the financial burden.

I never imagined I’d find myself in this situation—fighting not just for my daughter’s life, but also for the resources needed to give her a chance at recovery. The medical bills are overwhelming, and the costs of Maja’s medications, speech therapy, and rehabilitation are simply too much for us to bear on our own. I’m reaching out to you today with a plea for help.

Every donation, every share of this fundraiser, and even donating 1.5% of your taxes can make a difference in Maja’s fight for her life. It’s not just about money; it’s about hope. It’s about giving my daughter the opportunity to heal and live a full, healthy life. With your help, we can provide Maja with the care and support she so desperately needs to continue her recovery.

Maja’s strength and resilience have amazed us every day. She is still fighting, despite all the odds. But the truth is, we can’t do this alone. We need your support to continue providing her with the care she needs. Every penny, every act of kindness, and every message of encouragement gives us the strength to keep moving forward.

I believe with all my heart that Maja has the strength to recover and to thrive, but we need your help to make that possible. The road ahead is long, and it will be filled with both challenges and triumphs. But with your support, I know we can give Maja the future she deserves.

Please help us fight for Maja’s life. Help us give her the chance to speak again, to move freely, and to live the life she deserves. Your generosity will make a world of difference in her recovery.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing by us during this incredibly difficult time. Together, we can help Maja fight for a future full of health, joy, and love.

— A mother’s plea for hope, strength, and a future for Maja.