🚗 A Car Repair That Means Freedom: Wiktor’s Fight Against SMA

For most people, a car repair is a routine inconvenience. For Wiktor, it was a lifeline — a chance to reclaim independence in a life shaped by spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic condition that weakens muscles and limits mobility.

🧬 Living with SMA

Wiktor was diagnosed with SMA Type II as a child. The condition gradually robbed him of the ability to walk, and by his teens, he relied on a motorized wheelchair. Despite the physical limitations, Wiktor remained fiercely independent — attending university, working remotely, and advocating for disability rights in his community.

But independence came with a catch: transportation.

🚐 The Van That Changed Everything

Years ago, Wiktor acquired a specially modified van — equipped with a ramp, hand controls, and space for his wheelchair. It allowed him to drive himself to work, visit friends, and even volunteer at local schools.

Then, one winter morning, the van broke down. The repairs were extensive and expensive. Without it, Wiktor was stranded — unable to leave his home without assistance. Public transport wasn’t accessible, and ride services couldn’t accommodate his equipment.

💔 The Cost of Inaccessibility

The repair estimate was over €4,000. For Wiktor, who lived on a modest income and disability support, it was an impossible sum. He described the experience as “losing my legs all over again.”

But he refused to give up.

💌 A Community Responds

Wiktor’s friends launched a crowdfunding campaign titled “Freedom in Motion”. Within days, donations poured in — from neighbors, strangers, and even fellow SMA patients across Europe. Messages of support flooded his inbox:

“You inspire us to keep moving, even when the world says stop.”

Local mechanics offered discounted labor. A disability advocacy group matched donations. Within three weeks, the van was repaired.

🌟 Back on the Road

The first drive after the repair was emotional. Wiktor visited his favorite park, rolled down the windows, and let the wind hit his face. He called it “a victory lap for everyone who believed in me.”