My name is Martina Mrázová, and I am the mother of Marco, who is almost ten years old.
Marco is a wonderful boy with a severe disability, autism spectrum disorder, and a very limited ability to communicate. Since early childhood, he has also been struggling with serious health problems, particularly digestive difficulties, pain, and inflammatory changes in his gastrointestinal tract.
As a mother, one of the hardest things is watching my child suffer, knowing that something is hurting him, yet being unable to help.
Marco can show me where it hurts, but he cannot tell me exactly what he is feeling. Still, I see his pain every day. I see it in his behavior and restlessness, in his difficulties with sleeping, eating and concentrating, and in how hard it has become for him to cope with everyday life.
His health deteriorated significantly after he contracted COVID-19 in 2024. Since then, we have watched his problems gradually worsen and increasingly affect both his life and our everyday family life.
Since May of this year, however, his condition has deteriorated to the point where he is no longer able to attend school or his supportive therapies regularly.
We have spent years searching for the cause of his health problems
Since Marco was three years old, we have undergone countless medical examinations and searched for treatment options, first in Slovakia and later abroad.
He has undergone numerous gastroenterological examinations, and last year, under general anesthesia, he underwent extensive diagnostic procedures, including an endoscopy, colonoscopy and capsule endoscopy, together with biopsies.
Over the years, his medical records have documented specific gastroenterological diagnoses and findings, including reflux esophagitis, gastroduodenitis, dyspeptic syndrome, food sensitivities, dysbiosis, suspected irritable bowel syndrome, and duodenogastric reflux.
But Marco's health problems have long gone far beyond his digestive system.
His immune and autoimmune systems are also significantly affected. His documented diagnoses include autoimmune encephalitis, autoimmune disease, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), Lyme disease, babesiosis, Lyme neuropathy, eosinophilic esophagitis, neurocognitive disorder, and toxic effects of mycotoxins.
Despite the strict diet I have been preparing for him since he was three years old, the medications he has been prescribed, the many examinations he has undergone, and all the care we have provided, his problems persist.
And little by little, they are taking more and more of his life away from him.
We no longer want to simply watch him suffer. We want to help him.
Despite all the demanding examinations and medical consultations we have pursued in Slovakia, none of the treatments has helped him. In some cases, his symptoms have even worsened.
We needed someone who would look at Marco as a whole and try to put all the individual pieces together.
After a long search, we finally have hope again
After years of searching, we found Somer DelSignore of Hudson Valley Integrative Health in the United States, who works with pediatric patients with complex chronic, immune, and neuroimmune conditions.
After reviewing Marco's medical records, she recommended further laboratory testing and prepared an initial treatment plan.
In October, once all of his results have been evaluated, Marco is expected to receive a precise, individualized treatment protocol outlining the next steps. We need to be ready to begin the recommended treatment as soon as possible. We already know that, once all results have been reviewed, the specific treatment options under consideration will include IVIG, SOT, and plasmapheresis.
Why IVIG, SOT or plasmapheresis?
IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) is a treatment in which immunoglobulins obtained from donor plasma are administered intravenously. It is used to treat certain immune system disorders as well as selected autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
SOT (Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy) is a targeted approach based on oligonucleotides designed in relation to a specific infectious target.
Plasmapheresis is a procedure in which plasma is separated from the blood and certain substances, including antibodies, are removed from it.
IVIG treatment alone is expected to cost approximately €4,000–€5,000 per month. It is also not a one-time treatment. Depending on Marco's final treatment protocol, regular administration may be required for several months. Even several months of IVIG treatment could therefore mean costs reaching tens of thousands of euros for our family.
Other possible treatments included in the treatment protocol currently being prepared are SOT or plasmapheresis. These are also financially demanding and may require a longer-term treatment process.
In addition to the treatment itself, there are further expenses for laboratory and follow-up tests, medications, specialized supplements, medical consultations and, where necessary, travel to access the medical care Marco needs.
We also applied to our health insurance company to cover the treatment. Our request was denied.
Over the years, we have spent tens of thousands of euros of our own money on Marco's medical examinations, diagnostic procedures, medications, specialized diet, professional consultations, travel and treatment.
We have gone as far as our financial means would allow us.
Today, we have finally reached a treatment option that could significantly help him. But the financial burden is now beyond what we can manage on our own.
The cost of his treatment therefore remains with us.
What exactly will the money raised through this fundraiser be used for?
All funds raised will be used exclusively for Marco's treatment and medical care, specifically for:
- individualized treatment based on his results and the recommendations of medical professionals,
- IVIG, SOT or plasmapheresis, depending on which treatment is recommended for Marco,
- laboratory and follow-up examinations,
- medications and specialized supplements,
- specialist medical consultations,
- supportive therapies,
- travel required to access necessary medical care.
Regardless of which treatment, or combination of treatments, is ultimately recommended, it will be a long-term and financially demanding process that we can no longer manage alone as a family.
Treatment is finally within reach. But we need help.
We do not want to change Marco.
We want to give him the chance to live a life that is not accompanied by pain every single day.
A chance to return to school.
A chance to return to his therapies.
A chance to eat better, sleep better, and simply function better in ordinary everyday life.
Please help us give Marco back a life without pain.
