Ashki

Norbert is 16. He is deaf. He sits at a table, takes a sheet of paper, and folds it into a flower. Then he makes another one.

He sells the flowers to raise money. Not for a new phone, a holiday, or something he wants for himself.

Norbert is making paper flowers to help save his dog’s life.

Flower by flower, he is trying to raise 35,000 Polish złoty (PLN) – that’s more than 8.000 EUR. This is how much the treatment that could give Ashki a chance is expected to cost.

And this is their story.

Ashki is nine years old. He has a loving home and a family who sees him as part of everything they do. But his connection with Norbert is especially close.

For years, Ashki has been his friend, his companion, and a source of comfort. They do not need words to understand each other. Ashki is simply there. Beside Norbert. Every day.

Until recently, he was a healthy, lively dog. When swelling appeared on his face, his family thought it was a problem with his teeth. They went to the vet. Ashki received antibiotics and had some teeth removed.

The swelling stayed.

More teeth were removed. Still, it did not go away.

His family kept searching for answers. A CT scan revealed a suspected cancer: osteosarcoma. Then a biopsy confirmed cancer, but of a different type-squamous cell carcinoma.

It was still frightening news. But it also brought something his family had begun to fear they would lose.

A chance to treat him.

They acted immediately. Ashki began seeing a veterinary oncologist. More appointments followed. More tests, medicines, and trips to the clinic in Wrocław-twice a week, 100 kilometres each way.

His family has already spent more than 8,000 PLN (almost 2.000 EUR). The medicines he now needs cost 2,000+ PLN (near 500 EUR) every month.

Their savings have run out. Ashki still needs care.

The cancer treatment that could give him a chance is expected to cost 35,000 PLN (8.000+ EUR). If that treatment is not possible, palliative care is estimated to cost 18,000 PLN (2.000+ EUR). This care would not stop the cancer. It would help control his pain and keep him as comfortable as possible for the time he has left.

Both amounts are beyond what his family can afford.

They have done everything they can since the first signs of illness. But Norbert also needs rehabilitation, and that costs money too.

His parents now face a choice no family should have to make: how to pay for their son’s care while also helping the dog who means so much to him.

Ashki is part of Norbert’s daily life. Part of what helps him feel safe. A familiar friend beside him through difficult days.

How can a parent put a price on that?

How can they choose between another month of rehabilitation for their son and the chance of another summer with Ashki by his side?

The bills keep arriving. The next appointments need to be booked. And there are no savings left.

That is why the family asked the Centaurus Foundation for help. And why we are asking you to help us support them.

We cannot promise that treatment will save Ashki. We do not know how his body will respond or how much more time he may have.

But his vets see a treatment option. Ashki has a chance.

We want to help his family take it.

Our goal is to raise 35,000 PLN (8.000+ EUR) for his cancer treatment. If we cannot reach that goal, we need at least 18,000 PLN (4.000+ EUR) to provide palliative care and help relieve his pain.

It is a lot of money.

Norbert keeps making flowers.

He folds the paper, finishes one, and starts the next one. He sells them and puts the money aside. For him, the reason is simple: Ashki is ill, and he wants to help him.

A 16-year-old cannot carry out a scan, give cancer treatment, or plan his dog’s care. He cannot raise it all on his own.

But he can make a paper flower.

So he does.

Then one more.

Please don’t leave him alone at that table.

Let Norbert keep making his flowers knowing that others are helping too. Let him know that he does not have to raise every last penny by himself to give his best friend a chance.

Please donate whatever you can. Every donation helps pay for Ashki’s care. If you cannot donate, please share this appeal.

For Ashki, who has spent years by Norbert’s side.

And for the boy making paper flowers to help someone he loves.