by Summer Kelley
Poland
We are so thankful to get this letter of gratitude and good news from Darek Banicki. Derek Banicki is one of the pastors who works closely with ITMI's Dr. Piotr Zaremba. One of ITMI's projects is helping the Banicki family with the medical expenses related to their daughter, Eliza's Niemann-Pick Disease. The medication Darek mentions below costs ~$190,000 USD per year, according to the video posted below.
Enjoy Darek's letter!
Daria and Darek Banicki
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
A few days ago we learnt about a sizable gift you [an ITMI supporter] made to the treatment of our precious daughter, Eliza. We are overwhelmed with joy! Please accept our heartfelt gratitude. We would like to write just a few words to express just how happy we are.
As you probably know, Eliza is being treated with an extremely expensive drug called Zavesca. At present, it’s the only drug in the world suitable for the treatment of Niemann-Pick disease type C. Eliza is also in an intensive physical therapy regimen, which requires a professional therapist.
Eliza has been doing quite well lately. Her seizures only come seldom now. These last few days, she hasn’t even had one. She is constantly smiling and singing, and she’s so full of life! She takes individual classes every day, and she’s an active participant! She looks forward to Sundays, when she goes with us to our church in Gniezno.
Eliza has been doing quite well lately. She is constantly smiling and singing, and she’s so full of life!
She is having trouble walking, but intelectually, she’s doing great. We know that her stable condition is a result of prayer and, of course, Zavesca, which she’s been taking regularly since September 12, 2009.
It’s the generosity of people like you that have made it all possible. Your sacrificial attitude and your prayers strengthen our hope and encourage us in our daily battles with this terrible disease. You may remember that seven years ago, we lost our eldest son Michał to the very same disease. That loss has made the struggle very real for us.
My wife Daria and I both work full time, so Eliza is looked after by a paid sitter when we’re not there. Our middle daughter Zuzanna is a freshman in college, studying medicine.
To the best of our abilities, we are all involved in the comings and goings of our fellowship in Gniezno, where I am pastor. Every Thursday and Saturday, I lead a Bible study, and on Sunday I usually preach. Also, I prepare new believers for the baptism, and I serve as a history consultant for Piotr Zaremba’s Bible Translation Project.
Apart from that, I’m a headmaster at a local secondary school, and I teach history. It’s been a very difficult time for us lately because the local authorities have decided to close the school. We don’t understand this decision; the school is prospering, and it’s also very popular in our area. We’re still trying to negotiate with the authorities, but you know what it’s like to talk to politicians.
But in spite of the difficulties, we’re very thankful to God that we can live in His presence and renew our strength in Him every single day--no matter how many trials we need to overcome!
One more time, we wanted to thank you. Please, continue to lift us up in prayer and support Eliza’s treatment, as well as our work for the Lord.
Yours in Christ,
Darek Banicki with family
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It really is a miracle that Eliza has been able to take this medication! Praise God for the good news that her condition is improving, and for those of you who have been a part of this miracle.
Summer Kelley is a writer and follower of Jesus living in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and three kids. She’s had the honor and privilege of telling ITMI’s stories since 2006. Summer loves reading, the outdoors and Coca-Cola Classic.