Polish Livestream Raises €59M for Kids Battling Cancer

A Polish influencer just proved that social media can move mountains when it comes to helping kids in need.

Patryk "Łatwogang" Garkowski wrapped up a nine-day YouTube livestream on Sunday that raised more than 250 million zlotys (€59 million) for children battling cancer. The donation counter actually broke in the final moments as contributions flooded in so fast the system couldn't keep up.

What started with a modest goal of €118,000 turned into one of the biggest charity drives in European internet history. At its peak, the stream became the most-watched live broadcast on the planet.

Garkowski broadcast continuously from a small apartment for nine straight days, playing a single song on loop. The track was recorded by Polish rapper Bedoes and 11-year-old cancer patient Maja Mecan, whose story sparked the entire campaign.

The influencer timed the stream's end for 21:37, a number deeply meaningful in Polish culture as it marks the time Pope John Paul II died in 2005. Moments after the announcement, viewers erupted in celebration as the final total soared past 250 million zlotys.

All proceeds support the Cancer Fighters foundation, which provides medical, psychological and financial help to cancer patients and their families. "There is no hidden agenda. All the money goes to the kids," Garkowski said.

Big names showed up in force to help. Football star Robert Lewandowski donated €240,000, while tennis champion Iga Świątek contributed €24,000 and auctioned Wimbledon tickets. Coldplay's Chris Martin sent a video singing in Polish, and Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal recorded a message with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny.

Corporate sponsors stepped up too, with one company donating over €1 million. Celebrities promised to appear in the top donor's advertisements for free just to encourage more giving.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond the money, the stream created unexpected moments of healing. Two feuding Polish rappers publicly reconciled live on air, ending years of conflict. Celebrities shaved their heads in solidarity with cancer patients, sharing their support across social media platforms.

Young cancer patients visited the stream throughout the nine days, speaking directly with viewers and answering questions. These quieter moments reminded everyone watching exactly who would benefit from their generosity.

The fundraiser showed what happens when online communities unite around a cause that truly matters.