A loving community has rallied around to raise funds for the future complex needs of a little 'smiling' boy whose world has been shattered by the devastating death of his adored mother.
Heartbroken Milo Poblocki, 11, who is one of only 30 in the world to be diagnosed with a rare life-limiting condition, can't quite comprehend why his beloved mam Alicia is not around anymore.
Sadly Alicia Sokolowska, who campaigned fervently for her son's health treatment, died last month after a battle with cancer at the age of 38.
Read More: Brave Dublin mum loses cancer battle three days after wedding day
In recent years, Alicia and her husband Arek Poblocki raised €50,000 to bring Milo, who has Leigh's Syndrome, to Philadelphia for life saving treatment before his organs started to shut down.
While there Milo, who has modelled for a Dunnes Stores range of specialised clothing, was diagnosed with the additional rare mitochondrial disorder Mabry Syndrome.
He cannot walk, talk, move or sit but is known around his town as the little boy who is always smiling despite being in constant pain.
Mitochondria are responsible for creating more than 90% of the energy needed by the body to sustain life and support growth. When they fail, less and less energy is generated within the cell and cell injury and even cell death follow.
"For those of you who have a child that you would do anything for, think about the prospect that they may not be able to survive to learn what life is or how beautiful it is. It's frightening," said Alicia during the fundraising drive.
"Despite his pain, he tries to smile every day and send around his enormous and amazing positive energy that infects everyone around him. The disease hasn't yet robbed him of his smile."
However, that smile has dimmed lately with the loss of Alicia and now the community of Kells, Co Meath has decided to help Arek and older son Livio, 12, in their grief by ensuring they have enough money for the continuous needs of Milo.
A tearjerking Facebook post, written on behalf of Milo, states: "Hello all. I'm sorry for not posting for so long, but I had to figure out a few things in my head, answer questions that no one is answering. Why? What will it be like now?
"My hope was diminished the day my beloved Mummy passed away to heaven. My mother who fought so much for me, who did everything to make my life colourful, she understood me so well.
"She sacrificed so much to make me healthier, happier, she gave me so much, and in all her unconditional love she probably forgot about herself and her own health. It's too late now.
"I miss you so much Mummy! What will happen next? I'm so afraid. Mother, I will continue to fight, for you, like you taught me, and like you fought for your life till the very last moment - I'm proud of you Mother.
"Now you’re closer to God, please ask him for health for me and my family and for all of good people who will help us through difficult times. Be our Angel forever.
"I love you Mom."
Zuzanna Hodur of the 'Milo and Family Support Committee said that Alicia's deep love and fearless determination to help her son had touched everyone who met her.
"She was beautiful inside and out and would do anything to give Milo and indeed her other son, a better chance of life.
"Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with stage four cancer last year and passed away last month. Before she died she told Livio to finish college and Arek to mind Milo as much as possible.
"The whole family is just devastated. Alicia was Arek's soulmate and they came here from Poland together to build a new life, which they did.
"Milo can't quite understand where his mam has gone or why she isn't around. He gets very emotional when he sees a picture of her. She had been there constantly by his side and now she isn't.
"So we decided to come together and set up a GoFundMe page to raise enough money to help Arek meet the needs of Milo who has to get private physiotherapy among many other things.
"We can't bring Alicia back but we can use the love and determination she had to continue to help her son."
The GoFundMe page can be accessed at https://www.gofundme.com/f/milo-and-family.
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