After completing a 660-kilometer charity bike ride from Zakopane to Gdańsk, influencer Piotr Hancke raised nearly 20 million zlotys for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and urged the government to act.
The Call for Systematic Government Action
Upon finishing his 52-hour journey, the creator known as Łatwogang addressed state leadership, calling for non-partisan cooperation to save children suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). He emphasized that his appeal is apolitical, aiming solely to secure state support for treatments that are not currently subsidized.
The influencer argued that by combining efforts, the president and the government could end the nightmare faced by affected families. He expressed his belief that a unified state approach could provide the necessary relief for patients.
Presidential Palace Response
Presidential spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz responded by stating that President Karol Nawrocki has already initiated systemic solutions for rare disease funding. He noted that the president signed relevant legislation months ago to support medical treatment and disability services.
Leśkiewicz insisted that the necessary financial mechanisms are now in place, and the focus must shift toward the government’s responsibility to secure and distribute the funds. He reiterated that under the Polish Constitution, the state has a fundamental duty to provide specialized healthcare for children.
Charity Ride Impact
The campaign successfully raised over 19.8 million zlotys to cover the treatment costs for three boys: Maks, Adaś, and Wojtuś. The initiative relied on the collective support of thousands of online viewers who monitored the live-streamed event.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a severe, rare genetic condition causing progressive muscle wasting, primarily affecting boys. While no cure exists, gene and pharmacological therapies can significantly improve quality of life, though these treatments remain costly and often inaccessible without state backing.
