Hi, my name is Ninka.
This year, the 1000 Pull Up Challenge decided to help me live as full a life as possible despite my difficult diagnosis.
For the fifth year in a row, this challenge has been helping those who have not been so fortunate—children and families whose lives have been affected by serious diagnoses that limit their daily activities. So far, they have helped four families and donated €17,162.
What is the 1000 Pull Up Challenge?
It is a unique event that combines sport and helping others. The goal is clear: to help specific children and families through a physical challenge – pull-ups.
On September 20, 2025, the fifth annual challenge will take place in the square in Lučenec. Over the course of six hours, we will try to do an incredible 130,000 pull-ups together.
Each pull-up means 10 cents for my treatment.
Your pull-ups, your help, your sharing – they can change my life.
Let's help Ninka together!
I was born a completely healthy baby – I weighed 3780 grams and measured 54 centimeters, without any complications. My parents and older sister were very happy. The first few months were full of joy – I ate, grew, learned to roll over, sit, stand… And then something changed.
My mom noticed that when I crawled, I dragged my legs behind me. Later, it turned out that I needed rest more and more often, and even normal movements took away my strength and support. A whirlwind of examinations, hospitals, and hospitalizations began… until the diagnosis was made: SMA type 2. At that time, it was still incurable.
My mom is a physical therapist. She gave up her career so she could devote herself fully to me. Thanks to her, I was able to exercise, rehabilitate, and strengthen myself every day. It is thanks to her that my condition has improved significantly. Thanks to the drug Spinraza, which I receive every four months into my spinal canal under anesthesia, and regular exercise, I am stronger.
Today, I am 10 years old, still growing, and my mom is physically exhausted. I need special rehabilitation, equipment, and an environment that will help me maintain as much mobility as possible—and, above all, independence.
We live in an apartment building with a very small elevator. It's barely big enough for a wheelchair, and I'm increasingly finding myself "trapped" at home. After repeated unsuccessful attempts to replace it, my parents decided to make a big decision—to buy an older house and adapt it to my needs.
They went into debt and are renovating it themselves so that I can go outside whenever I want, just like other children.
But everything has its price. And now there is not enough money left for my further rehabilitation, aids, vitamins, orthoses, special exercises, and stays, which are crucial for me.
I really enjoy going to school. I get excellent grades, I like to read, draw, create, recite, and sing. I have an assistant, but I participate in activities like all the other children. I am popular among my peers. My teachers say I have great potential.
I love swimming, horses, and watching sports, especially hockey and soccer. Yes, even though I can't stand, I dream that one day I will be able to take at least a few steps on my own.
All this will be possible thanks to you!!!
Your help will enable us to provide Ninka with the essentials for her health, mobility, and a better quality of life. These areas are her current top priorities:
Rehabilitation and specialized exercises – €3,000
Without regular rehabilitation, Ninka's condition could quickly deteriorate. These exercises help her maintain muscle strength, protect her spine, and slow the progression of her disease.
Electric wheelchair (additional payment) – up to €5,000
Ninka is growing and needs a stable and powerful wheelchair that will allow her to get to school, participate in activities, and move around outside without always having to rely on the help of others.
Modification of the family home for barrier-free living – approx. €5,000
We are moving into an older house, which we are renovating to make it fully wheelchair accessible – no stairs, with a modified bathroom, doors, and entrance.
Exercise and rehabilitation aids – approx. €1,000
Orthoses, verticalization devices, strengthening aids, and vitamins – all contribute to Ninka's progress and help her feel less limited.
Possible spinal surgery abroad – €20,000 to €30,000
If her condition worsens, she may need surgery, which cannot be performed to the required standard in Slovakia. We are considering the possibility of surgery abroad, but it is extremely costly.
Your support means a huge help for Ninka on her way to a better life and independence. Thank you for being there for her!
