Hlavní stránka Info portálu ZČU

Ivana Cetkovská studies at the Faculty of Education of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. Due to the rare Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which doctors diagnosed after a year and a half of uncertainty, she cannot live a normal life. The disease causes her severe pain, collapses, seizures, heart arrhythmias and neurological problems. "At first, I started collapsing out of nowhere. I was tired, dizzy, losing consciousness. Examinations followed examinations and nobody knew what was happening to me," Ivana described the beginning of her health problems.

Today, the student is dependent on a wheelchair and the help of her mother, who takes care of her 24 hours a day. Often unable to stand, Ivana needs to be transferred, has a central catheter and receives part of her treatment by infusion at home. "My life has changed beyond recognition - I have gone from being an active, independent girl to a patient fighting every day for a little dignity, relief and hope," she said.

Despite this, Ivana retains her desire to study and do what she loves - music and painting. "It's an incurable disease that has taken a lot out of me. But I don't want to give up the opportunity to be as independent as possible. The fundraiser will mainly help me cover the cost of a new active wheelchair, which would make it much easier for me to function, increase my independence and allow me to be more actively involved in my classes. Unfortunately, the current wheelchair does not meet my needs. I would also like to purchase an electric wheelchair, which I currently only have on loan. It is thanks to it that I have been able to take part in biological excursions - an integral part of my studies," said Ivana.

"It is something that gives me a sense of purpose, intrinsic motivation and a feeling that I can achieve something despite my health limitations. I am studying biology and mathematics teaching, subjects that I really enjoy. Thanks to an individually tailored regime, I can manage my studies from home - I don't usually attend classes in person, I study independently and take exams and credits individually. I appreciate all the more the willingness and support of my teachers and all the staff of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, which makes my studies possible," said the student, who starts her second year in September.

The cost of aids and treatment is high. The student therefore asked the public for help through the platform znesnaze21.cz. The goal of the fundraising is one million crowns - from it, in addition to the electric wheelchair, she would also pay for additional payments for a mechanical wheelchair, rehabilitation and specialized medical examinations in the Czech Republic and abroad. It is the foreign medical care that can have a major impact on Ivana's health and is also one of the biggest financial items. As of 23 July, over 230,000 crowns have been raised.

You can support the fundraising campaign called "Incurable disease won't stop Ivanka - let's help her to greater freedom" on the website znesnaze21.cz.

Students in difficult life situations are not alone at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. "Although many of them are initially reluctant to talk about their difficulties - for example, with their lecturers - experience shows that with the support of assistants from the Information and Counselling Centre, they manage to overcome their initial shyness and find ways to manage their studies with more dignity and less pressure," said Michaela Vaňková from the Centre.