Hello everyone,

In the past 21 years of my life I have been blessed with an amazing grandfather. A man that taught and continues to teach me about the importance of hard work and determination. My grandfather has always taught me to aim higher and to never settle for less in life. As a young adult now, entering my senior year of college, I can recall many life lessons and talks that I’ve had with him, that I know I will carry through my life. He is the definition of the American Dream.

My family and I have been lucky enough to see it happen right before my eyes. My grandpa Zdzisław, a man of incredible strength and determination, escaped Poland when it was run by communism in the 1960s. With nothing but hope, he came to America with a single goal: to build a better life.

He started as a laborer and worked his way up to the top, eventually becoming the superintendent at the company he worked for. He started a family and created a home where he did everything to support his wife, my grandma, and their four kids. He consistently told my cousins and I to study hard in school to ensure I did not have to endure the difficult physical labor he faced. He told us to work hard now while we are in school, to ensure an easier path later in life. He has 9 incredible grandchildren who are destined to do great things in life due to all he has taught and continues to teach us.

A couple of months ago we found out that the pain that he has been in is due to ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. ALS is a horrible disease where your nerves break down and reduce the functionality in the muscles they supply. My grandpa can be stubborn and he does not want to admit it, but he is in pain and he needs our help and support.

On Saturday, September 14th, 2024, we will be walking in the ALS Jersey Shore walk. Everyone is welcome to attend. My goal is to raise as much money as I can to help all those impacted by ALS. Please, if you can help in any way, it would truly be appreciated by all of us.

If you would like to donate - you can click on the link in below, scroll to my name, and hit “donate now”.

You may also copy the link below and paste it into the browser:
http://secure.als-ny.org/goto/zgabryszewski_team

As a family, and as one of Zdzislaw’s proud grandchildren, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Natalia Gabryszewski