Mikołaj Mielnik, from the eastern Polish city of Siedlce, was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer earlier this year – just two months after the death of his wife, Lena.
Despite being told by doctors that Mrs. Mielnik would be unable to have children, the pair had a son together, Emil, who is currently eight years old.
Now, Mr. Mielnik, who is taking care of Emil alone while battling cancer, is looking for a family to take over parenting after he is gone.
Speaking to Polish broadcaster TVN, Mr. Mielnik said: “The therapy is over. I was discharged to a home hospice. In my case, there is no treatment. Sit and wait until the time comes.
“Emil knows that I am seriously ill and we don’t have much time left.”
But Emil also suffers from health issues, having been born prematurely and with only one weakly functioning kidney.
The eight-year-old requires specialist care and has to wear a urostomy bag to collect urine. He will also likely require a kidney transplant one day.
Speaking about his relationship with his dad, Emil said: “I know dad is sick. I feel sorry for him. I kiss and hug him often. We spend a lot of time together.”
Mr. Mielnik worked as a truck driver for 18 years before his diagnosis, and now relies on sickness benefits, savings and a pension from his late wife.
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fundraising effort was launched online to raise money for Mr. Mielnik and Emil, which has already raised over 350,000 zlotys (€80,860) – from a target of 5,000 zlotys (€1,155).
Mr. Mielnik said that he would like Emil’s future foster family to live in the boy’s current home, so that he does not have to uproot his life and change schools.
He added: “It’s hard to love a child at first sight. You have to have a big soul to take such a step. But I believe in the goodness of people.
“He’s a sociable, cheerful, smiling, very cuddly boy. You simply cannot help but like him. He is a good student.
“I love him very much and I will give up everything for him. I will do everything for him to secure his future.”
