ed three, she had endured ten kidney infections and seven bladder infections. Since she was three months old, she has been on daily antibiotics as a preventive treatment, but she has developed resistance to some of them.

Maruška was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three when it became clear that her motor skills were not progressing, despite previous tests showing no major issues.

Since then, she has been undergoing intensive therapy. Twice a year, she attends neurorehabilitation programs at Klimkovice Spa. Three times a week, she spends two hours a day at a private neurorehabilitation center called Astra, but these essential therapies are not covered by insurance. In addition, she attends occupational therapy, Bobath therapy, hippotherapy, osteodynamics, speech therapy, and Feldenkrais therapy, and receives early intervention support.

Despite all these challenges, Maruška is a determined and clever little girl. She understands everything perfectly—her mind is sharp, but her body doesn’t cooperate. She is mentally at her age level, which allows her to attend a regular kindergarten with an assistant. She loves it there, and her family is thrilled to see her happy. Her classmates adore her, help her, and encourage her to participate in activities like other children. Unfortunately, her mobility limitations prevent her from doing so—she cannot sit, crawl, or walk on her own and relies on a specialized walker.

Doctors cannot predict Maruška’s future mobility, but most agree that she has the potential to improve because she has the necessary movement patterns.

How will Advent runners help Maruška?

Maruška will be treated to a stay at the Klimkovice spa and also to speech therapy, which is very important for improving speech.

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