adam Kajoch’s Son, Jan Kajoch, Battles Autoimmune Encephalitis: Family Faces Mounting Medical Costs

The family of Adam Kajoch, a former Polish speedway champion, is facing a daunting challenge as their 9-year-old son, Jan Kajoch, battles autoimmune encephalitis and cerebral palsy. The rare conditions require extensive and costly treatment,placing a significant financial burden on the family. A dramatic effort to raise funds saw Kajoch’s cousin kayak across Poland,highlighting the family’s determination to provide the best possible care for Jan.

Jan’s Medical Journey

Jan’s health struggles began at birth. Born prematurely in the 25th week of pregnancy, he weighed only 850 grams and experienced hypoxia for 17 hours, leading to severe brain damage and four-limb cerebral palsy. for the first few weeks, Jan fought for his life, spending three months in the hospital on a respirator. Now, the family faces a new challenge with jan’s diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis, a condition where the body’s immune system attacks healthy brain cells [[1]].

Did You Know? Autoimmune encephalitis can manifest with a wide range of symptoms, including seizures, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric disturbances.

The Financial strain of Treatment

The treatment for autoimmune encephalitis is expensive. Adam Kajoch revealed that immunoglobulin infusions, designed to reduce inflammation and boost immunity, cost approximately 34,000 PLN (around $8,700 USD) per infusion, and Jan requires multiple treatments. The Polish National Health Fund (NFZ) does not cover these infusions, claiming Jan’s condition stems from birth complications. The family spends between 10,000 and 20,000 PLN (approximately $2,500 to $5,000 USD) each month on rehabilitation alone.

Pro Tip: Many families facing similar medical crises turn to crowdfunding platforms to help offset the costs of treatment and care.

A Cousin’s Unusual Effort

To support Jan and his family, Adam Kajoch’s cousin, Darek, undertook an incredible journey. He kayaked 1200 km across Poland, starting in przemyśl on June 1 and ending in Świnoujście on June 11. His route took him through major rivers and canals, including the San, Wisła, Brda, Bydgoszcz Canal, Noteć, Warta, and Oder. This remarkable effort raised awareness and much-needed funds for Jan’s