‘Everybody loves Milo and they loved Alicja’

Kells and Polish communities rocked by death of loving mum who did everything she could to ensure Milo had the best treatments and a good quality of life

The death of the devoted Kells mother of a very sick little local boy has devastated the Kells and Polish communities. Alicja Sokolowska died on 1st March after an eleven month battle with cancer leaving her devastated family and community in shock.

Alicja, who was just 39-years-old, had been the driving force, along with her husband Arek Poblocki, in caring for their son, Milo (11), who was born with a life-limiting condition and his brother, 13-year-old Livio.

Milo has Mitrocondrial disease with Maybry Syndrome.

He cannot walk, talk, move or sit - but he has the most beautiful smile that has won the hearts of his local community.

Three years ago Alicja and Arek began a fundraising campaign to bring him to Philadelphia for vital treatment.

“Alicja was always joyful and full of energy. She was a wonderful mother, an amazing woman that would do anything for her children. She was also a wonderful friend,” says her heartbroken friend, Zuzanna Hudor.

“She did everything she could to ensure Milo had the best treatments and a good quality of life.”

Three years ago, time was running out for little Milo, so Alicja and Arek, supported by the people of Kells and the Polish community raised the funds to bring him to Philadelphia. At the time, Alicja said; “If we aren't able to take this up, I don't how he'll get through another winter. His organs are slowly shutting down and we thought we lost him last winter.”

Zuzanna explains “When he was in Philadelphia Children’s University Hospital, he was diagnosed with Maybry syndrome, which is extremely rare, only about 30 people in the world have it. He was also diagnosed with epilepsy last year.

“He was prescribed treatment, including a special food, which is suitable for his sensitive stomach - it has to be brought in from the US. He has been getting stronger since then. He also has specialist physiotherapy and the doctors in the US advise those here on his treatment.”

Zuzanna says that the food and ongoing treatment is very expensive and Arek wouldn't be able to fund it on his own.

“Everybody loves Milo and they loved Alicja and we have all got together to continue fund-raising,” she says.

“People have been very good. Arek's neighbours in Cherry Hill and throughout Kells and the Polish community have been great. They supported us so much.

“We couldn’t believe the way the community of Kells got behind us. We didn’t expect it. People have very good hearts. “We have got so much help.”

A number of fund-raising events are currently being planned and a new GoFundMe page will be set up shortly.

Alicja's death was yet another devastating blow to the family.

“It was the saddest thing ever. She was the most amazing person. I've known here since I came to Kells ten years ago and she was my best friend. She was very helpful and willing to listen even when she had a lot to do.

“She was very happy and never took life for granted. She never gave up and kept fighting her illness to the end.

“Everybody is so sad.”

Zuzanna says that Milo attends the special care unit in St Mary’s Special School in Navan. Despite his own pain and the loss of his beloved Mum, he loves it there and comes back full of energy.

“Everybody talks about his lovely smile. He is always smiling, despite everything he goes through,” Zuzanna says.