Petr's Wishes: College for His Kids
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On Tuesday, September 6, 2016 Petr Polak was finally laid to rest after a 15-month battle with cancer when he was diagnosed with Stage 4B Squamous Cell Carcinoma that originated in the throat. He had trouble swallowing food in late 2014/early 2015 and had a series of misdiagnosis by multiple doctors and specialists. Eventually, in May 2015, a biopsy came back with a result testing postive for Squamous Cell Carcinoma. He hadn't smoked in 33 years (when he got married to his wife, Milena). Needless to say, it took us completely by surprise. The diagnosis was received 2 days after a traecheostomy and a peg tube (G-Tube) were put in place. This was life-changing because he was an active, intelligent man. He loved to exercise his mind and body through his hobbies: Computer Hardware & Software, Cars, Tennis, Kayaking. By far though, his two favorite things were good food, and good company. He loved to talk to anyone about anything; most who met him have some kind of memorable story or conversation because he wasn't afraid to speak openly, or they just loved his accent. All of this happened after he overcame a fatal car accident where another driver veered across several lanes and hit him head on. Petr was left handicapped and told he wouldn't walk again after a total reconstruction of his right foot. However, he was always a fighter. Within 2 years he was walking slowly around the house again. He overcame the odds, and he did his best with his cancer as well. Even after he lost the ability to talk and to eat, he kept fighting. Through these times his main concern was still his family and how they will be after everything. Perseverance in physical form.
Up until the end, all Petr ever said was that he wanted his boys to go to school and get a degree. He wanted us to be educated and independent. So, in keeping with Petr's wishes, the Polak family has kindly requested that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made towards supporting the education of his sons, Michael and Nicholas.
A little over two years ago, Michael - now 22, temporarily left UH in order to come home and care for his ailing grandmother, Alena Polak (Petr's mom). Last spring, 2015, he had to cancel his plans to re-enroll in order to support and care for his father. This meant that he had to forfeit multiple scholarships he earned through Academic and Musical credentials. Michael would love to go back to school to pursue a career in Medicine. He has learned so much throughout these experiences, and it is clear to him (and us) that this is his life path. Nothing would make the family happier than to see him finally get the time to go to school and finish while studying something he loves.
Petr's youngest son, Nicholas - now 13, is still attending Junior High. He is an oustanding student who participates in many academic and extracurricular activities such as: Band, Swimming, Robotics, National Junior Honor Society, and Boy Scouts. Nicholas is a kind-hearted, selfless young man who is looking forward to completing his Eagle Scout project next year in High School. Currently, he is ranked as a "Life" Scout, which means he is only one rank away from Eagle Scout - an incredible feat at his age. He shows such a promising future and brings joy to all those around him. We would all love to see him grow and flourish into the amazing person we know he will become. His mentioned interests for college studies include Medicine, Engineering, and Computer Sciences.
We love them both so very much, and they have both remained so strong throughout these major changes in our lives. Community support has really been our saving grace, and it is beautiful to see people care about and remember Petr in the way that they have. Any and all proceeds will go directly towards Michael's tuition costs and a savings account for Nicholas to be used when he graduates from High School and begins college. Anything and everything helps. Thank for your kindness, time, and consideration. Much Love, from all of us to you.
- The Polak Family
Up until the end, all Petr ever said was that he wanted his boys to go to school and get a degree. He wanted us to be educated and independent. So, in keeping with Petr's wishes, the Polak family has kindly requested that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made towards supporting the education of his sons, Michael and Nicholas.
A little over two years ago, Michael - now 22, temporarily left UH in order to come home and care for his ailing grandmother, Alena Polak (Petr's mom). Last spring, 2015, he had to cancel his plans to re-enroll in order to support and care for his father. This meant that he had to forfeit multiple scholarships he earned through Academic and Musical credentials. Michael would love to go back to school to pursue a career in Medicine. He has learned so much throughout these experiences, and it is clear to him (and us) that this is his life path. Nothing would make the family happier than to see him finally get the time to go to school and finish while studying something he loves.
Petr's youngest son, Nicholas - now 13, is still attending Junior High. He is an oustanding student who participates in many academic and extracurricular activities such as: Band, Swimming, Robotics, National Junior Honor Society, and Boy Scouts. Nicholas is a kind-hearted, selfless young man who is looking forward to completing his Eagle Scout project next year in High School. Currently, he is ranked as a "Life" Scout, which means he is only one rank away from Eagle Scout - an incredible feat at his age. He shows such a promising future and brings joy to all those around him. We would all love to see him grow and flourish into the amazing person we know he will become. His mentioned interests for college studies include Medicine, Engineering, and Computer Sciences.
We love them both so very much, and they have both remained so strong throughout these major changes in our lives. Community support has really been our saving grace, and it is beautiful to see people care about and remember Petr in the way that they have. Any and all proceeds will go directly towards Michael's tuition costs and a savings account for Nicholas to be used when he graduates from High School and begins college. Anything and everything helps. Thank for your kindness, time, and consideration. Much Love, from all of us to you.
- The Polak Family
Organizer
Michael Polak
Organizer
Friendswood, TX