Polish-American Foundation 'Nie Pękaj – Be Strong'

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Polish-American Foundation 'Nie Pękaj – Be Strong'

Let’s get to know each other!

Our Team

Meet the people behind our Foundation, who work every day to raise awareness of brain aneurysms in Poland.

Iwona Kecler-Małecka

Founder, Board Member
Iwona Kecler-Małecka is a co-founder of the Foundation 'Nie Pękaj – Be Strong'. In her daily work, she works at a CRO (Clinical Research Organization) company, whose mission is to conduct, manage, and monitor clinical trials from Phase I to Phase IV across a broad therapeutic range.
In 2019, Iwona was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, which was secured during an embolization procedure and is now under constant medical supervision. From the moment of her diagnosis, Iwona searched for support groups and information about specialist doctors in Poland and abroad. It was at this moment that the idea for the Foundation was born, whose goals include spreading awareness about aneurysms and supporting those affected by this condition. A graduate of Chemical Technology and Computer Science at the Szczecin University of Technology, Iwona also holds a postgraduate degree in Clinical Research from the University of Cincinnati in the United States. She is currently continuing her studies in Master of Business Administration (MBA) in the United States.

Katarzyna Stanisławska, MD, PhD

Board Member
Katarzyna Stanisławska has been providing online consultations in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases to patients throughout Poland for several years. Beginning her collaboration with the Foundation was a natural next step in supporting brain aneurysm patients. Within the Foundation, she is responsible for building a verified, substantive knowledge base for patients and serves as the coordinator for the establishment of the Foundation's Scientific Committee.
She is a graduate of the Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences in Poznań. In 2018, she obtained the title of specialist in radiology and diagnostic imaging by passing the European Diploma in Radiology examination in Vienna. She works at the Heliodor Święcicki Clinical Hospital in Poznań in the Department of Clinical Radiology and in the Department of Neurosurgery and Neurotraumatology. In 2019, she completed her doctoral studies at the Poznań University of Medical Sciences and defended her doctoral thesis on the use of intracranial stents in the treatment of unruptured brain aneurysms. She is currently an assistant professor in the Department of General and Interventional Radiology at the Poznań University of Medical Sciences, where she teaches future doctors in the fields of classical and interventional radiology. In her daily practice, she focuses on diagnostic imaging and endovascular treatment of vascular diseases, with particular emphasis on cerebrovascular conditions. She performs embolization procedures for intracranial aneurysms and hemangiomas, and is involved in the endovascular treatment of ischemic strokes. In addition to neuroradiology procedures, she also performs interventions in the fields of interventional oncology, organ embolization, and many others. She is the author and co-author of scientific papers published in Polish and international journals, as well as presentations at scientific conferences in Poland and abroad. Katarzyna Stanisławska is a member of the Polish Radiological Society as well as European and international societies in the fields of general and interventional radiology. In her personal life, she enjoys traveling and playing basketball.

Barbara Bawiec-Kusz

Board Member
Barbara Bawiec-Kusz is a co-founder of the Polish-American Foundation 'Nie Pękaj – Be Strong', who supported Iwona's initiative to establish the foundation. Barbara is a leader in the implementation of many European projects, both business, educational, and social.
She was a co-initiator and President of the Local Action Group of Central Pomerania from 2008 to 2020. The Group comprised 15 local governments along with entrepreneurs, and social organizations operating in their areas. As a result of the Group's activities, tens of millions in grants were secured from European and national funds, contributing to the dynamic development of Central Pomerania. For her achievements, she was honored with the title of Entrepreneurial Woman in 2013. Together with her husband, she is the owner of several companies and a co-founder of the Foundation. On a daily basis, she manages educational institutions across several provinces, which she built from the ground up. Her passion is helping others, guided by the principle — SHARE WHAT YOU KNOW AND WHAT YOU HAVE — and her inspiration is the words of Marie Skłodowska-Curie: "Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood." Barbara Bawiec-Kusz completed higher education in several fields, obtaining qualifications and academic titles: M.Sc. in Environmental Engineering, PAN European Local Government Law Studies, Pedagogical Studies in Education Management, Early Childhood and Pre-School Education, Pedagogical Preparation, and Level II Auditor. She also holds a Certificate from the Minister of the State Treasury, entitling her to represent the State Treasury on the Supervisory Boards of State Treasury Companies.