Appeal launch for brave Oscar
ASOUTHPORT couple are raising money for their oneyear-old nephew whose legs has to be surgically broken after meningitis caused his bones to decay.
Oscar Mikolajewska was diagnosed with meningitis at just a few days old.
His mum, Zanta Balda, and dad, Bartek Mikolajewski, say they raised concerns when he seemed unwell in the hospital. However, doctors assured them he was okay and sent them home.
Days later, Oscar had a fit and collapsed and had to be rushed to hospital.
After various antibiotics failed to ease his symptoms, Oscar had to be taken to Alder Hey in an ambulance. Doctors there confirmed it was meningitis, and told Zanta and Bartek he had a 50-50 chance of survival.
The meningitis affected Oscar’s leg, making it bruise, decay and become twisted.
Damage caused to the skin and tissue means there has been significant problems to his bone growth.
So that he can walk properly, Oscar has to have an operation to have his leg broken in three places.
The operation takes place on February 27, two days after Oscar’s second birthday.
His aunt Liv Vaughan and uncle Mariusz Mikolajewski have set up a fundraising page to buy Oscar a puppy for his birthday.
Liv said: “Oscar and his parents have had a terrible time. He was in and out of hospital as doctors initially thought it was an infection, and then he ended up being rushed to Alder Hey when he took a turn for the worse.
“He struggles to walk and enjoy life like other toddlers do.
“Throughout all this he has been so brave and is still a happy, lovely little boy.
“We’re raising money because [Zanta and Bartek] will have to take time off work because of Oscar’s operation and then of course it’ll take him a long time to recover.
“The operation is just the beginning.”
As part of the fundraising effort, Bar Kahiki on West Street will donate all monies taken on the door this weekend (Friday and Saturday February 3 and 4).
Liv will also work at the bar this weekend, giving all wages and tips earned to the cause.
She added: “Oscar and his family deserve something to smile about. Please, please dig deep for this wonderful little boy.
“Any donation big or small means so much, and keep an eye out for other fundraising events and fun days!”
Liv and Mariusz are hoping to raise £500 for Oscar.
At the time of going to print, £160 had been raised.
To find out more about Oscar’s fund, or to make a donation, go to gofundme.com/3bdqaug