Olympic Silver Medalist Auctioned His Precious Medal To Save The Life Of 3-Year-Old Boy

Jun 26, 2019 by apost team

Although many people look at social media as a negative and draining outlet, it can also be used to spread good news and positivity. There is no doubt that the advantages of these platforms can significantly outweigh the disadvantages. Social media can be an amazing tool for awareness, as news can reach more people in a faster period of time than ever before. One young toddler from Poland surely has social media to thank for his incredible story.

Olek Szymanski is only three years old, but he was unfortunately diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a type of eye cancer.  Because his cancer is so rare, treatment is unavailable in Poland, the only therapy Olek can receive is in New York. But the boy’s family was unable to afford the travel and subsequent treatment for their son. Thankfully, Olek’s story of struggle made the rounds on social media where others became aware of his circumstances.

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A miracle started to happen when a foundation called Siepomaga from Poland was able to raise a third of the money necessary to fund Olek’s treatment. Reuters reported Siepomaga had "already gathered about a third of the roughly 480,000 zlotys ($126,000) it said was needed to finance the boy’s treatment at ophthalmic oncologist David Abramson’s clinic in New York." But the family still needed more to help Olek. 

That's when Olympic silver gold medalist Piotr Malachowski stepped in. Malachowski won a silver medal in the Rio Summer Olympics in 2016 for the discus throw. When he heard about the boy's story, he decided to do something incredible. In a Facebook post he wrote, "Winning an Olympic medal is one of an athlete’s life dreams, of course, the most precious is gold. I did everything in my power to get it. Unfortunately this time I did not succeed. However, fate gave me a chance to increase the value of my ‘silver." 

Out of the kindness of his heart, Malachowski decided that he was going to help Olek by auctioning off his medal and giving the money to the boy’s family. Although he noted that winning the medal was one of his life’s goals, he knew that helping the boy would be way more worthwhile and fulfilling than keeping the medal for himself.

"In Rio, I fought for gold. Today I appeal to everyone - let us ask for something that is even more valuable. For the health of this fantastic boy. That's why I invite everyone to bid." Malachowski said in his post. 

A couple from Poland, Dominika and Sebastian Kulczyk were able to buy the medal from Malachowski for the good cause. Malachowski said in a later Facebook post, “We were able to demonstrate that together we can make miracles. My silver medal is today worth much more than it was just a week ago. It is worth the life and health of little Olek. This is our great, shared success.”

The money was donated from Malachowski to Olek’s family in order to get the boy the treatment that he needs and deserves. This entire story is a miracle and is warming the hearts of people from all around the globe.

What do you think about these selfless acts in the name of kindness? Have you ever donated money to a cause you cared deeply about? Tell us below. Send this article to friends or family who you think would enjoy reading it.