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Turning Pain Into Purpose: Malgorzata’s FASD Advocacy

What if the child you were promised was “healthy” — and the real story didn’t show up until years later? What if the diagnosis you fought so hard to get didn’t open doors but instead left you standing in another long hallway?

In this episode of The FASD Success Show, I sit down with Malgorzata from Poland. Her journey takes us through judgment, grief, and exhaustion, but also resilience and advocacy. From being told by her pediatrician sister that she was a “bad mom” to realizing a diagnosis doesn’t guarantee support, her story is one caregivers around the world will recognize.

Malgorzata turned pain into purpose by founding FASmisja, a national organization that is shifting awareness across Poland. She speaks in schools, prisons, and communities, using relatable tools like the flu analogy and diamond activity to reframe FASD and build self-esteem for kids. And in one of the most moving moments, she shares how her son once dismissed as “angry and difficult” saved a stranger’s life.

Meet the Guest: Malgorzata

Malgorzata is the founder of FASmisja, an advocacy and training initiative that grew out of her personal journey as a parent. What began as searching for answers in isolation has grown into a national mission that is opening eyes, training professionals, and giving families hope.

In this episode you’ll hear

• The grief of false expectations when adoption and reality don’t match
 • How judgment from family, teachers, and professionals adds to the pain
 • Why a diagnosis doesn’t always open doors and what actually makes the difference
 • Simple teaching tools — like the flu analogy and diamond story — that shift understanding and self-esteem
 • How personal advocacy grew into FASDmisja and a national movement
 • A powerful story of hope: Malgorzata’s son saving a stranger’s life
 • Breaking News: The U.S. Senate has passed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025, which includes the FASD Respect Act. This legislation authorizes $12.5 million annually through 2030 for FASD prevention, awareness, diagnosis, and services.

Why It Matters

Malgorzata’s story is one of courage and purpose. She reminds us that grief and judgment are real, but so is hope. Knowledge reframes behaviors, advocacy ripples out beyond our own homes, and kids with FASD can shine in ways nobody expects.

👉 You are not alone. What you’re doing matters. And there is hope — for change, for connection, and for more good days.

Resources and Links

🌐 Learn more about Malgorzata’s work at FASmisja

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📝 Get full show notes here: fasdsuccess.com/podcast

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