Dagmar (Pilsen)

“My name is Dagmar Lechnýřová, and I will soon be celebrating my 40th birthday. Five days after I was born, doctors diagnosed me with a severe congenital heart defect. On top of that, I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, asthma, and COPD. Over the course of my life, I have undergone eight major surgeries.

Despite all this, I have tried to live life to the fullest. I attended a regular elementary school, graduated from a vocational high school specializing in postal services, and went on to the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, where I earned a master’s degree in social work. I worked as a social worker and later as an administrative assistant until my health and a serious injury in 2016 drastically changed my life.

Today I struggle with pain and limited mobility, but I’m not giving up. I create art, read, go for walks, and enjoy helping students with their studies. I paint diamond paintings and also want to learn bobbin lace-making. With a coach, I want to find inner peace, overcome my social anxiety, and regain my self-confidence.“

Lucie

“I am a young woman and a mother from Hradec Králové, and I have been living with cerebral palsy since birth. Because of this, my life is more complicated in many ways, yet I strive to live as fully as any healthy person. I work part-time, undergo regular rehabilitation, and I also drive a car.

My great passion is cat sitting. In my free time, I enjoy small moments of peace—whether it’s at the theater, over a good cup of coffee, or just at home with my beloved pets. As a single mother receiving a second-degree disability pension, I was looking for a way to better support myself. Based on my own experiences, I decided to start my own cat-sitting service.

In the future, I would love to grow my business and eventually involve more people. Since I’m not yet sure how to properly manage and advance the project on my own, I believe that the coaching offered by the Melodio Foundation will help me find the right direction.”

Jarmila

“My name is Jarmila. I had a fairly clear idea of what my life in retirement would look like. At last, I would get around to the books I had carefully collected on my shelves; I would have plenty of time for the theatre, concerts, traveling, hiking, and maybe even the University of the Third Age. Everything changed when I almost lost my sight six years ago. Only audiobooks remained for me, but they couldn’t fully replace everything I had been looking forward to.

A change came three months ago, when I met Katka, who has been patiently introducing me step by step to various apps and assistive tools for people who are blind. Hopefully, over time, I’ll be able to carry out at least some of my plans.”

Kate

“My name is Kateřina Blažková. I am a mother of five and a physiotherapist. My youngest daughter, Josefínka, was born with Down syndrome, and our family life changed significantly as a result. At the moment, I am trying to return more actively to work and to balance everything with caring for my family.

I am currently working on my personal development with a coach, with the aim of finding my direction in life after 15 years on parental leave, which is now coming to an end. I would like to work on my self-confidence and clarify what I can offer to myself, my family, and in my work as a physiotherapist, so that I can manage my energy and mental strength in a healthy way.”

Honza (Nymburk)

“At the age of 21, I was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia. It is a neurological disease that affects balance and coordination of movement, mainly of the lower limbs. The illness impacts my everyday functioning, including commuting to work. I work at the cadastral office and managed to graduate from the Czech Technical University (ČVUT), majoring in Geodesy and Cartography. The disease has its greatest impact on my life’s passion, which is water scouting.

The gradual limitation of activities I enjoy has a negative effect on my mental state, which in turn leads to an acceleration of the progression of the physical illness. From working with a coach, I expect to improve my self-confidence, learn to find joy even in small things, and learn how to work with my mental well-being. Thanks to this, I will be able to devote myself better and more fully to the activities and people in my life.”

Renata (Pilsen)

“I am 38 years old and was born with a visual impairment. I am practically blind. Through coaching, I would like to find someone who could accompany me to a wellness center, or someone who could teach me how to crochet different shapes and patterns. At the same time, I would like to find a job with the help of a coach—one that I enjoy and that is fairly well paid.”

P.S.:
Renáta is working with coach Vojta Cibulka. Through this, she has gained the confidence to change her living situation and free herself from a toxic relationship. She is developing her talent in crocheting and is looking for contacts among sellers and designers who could help bring her products to market (baskets, scarves, bags, etc.). In February 2026, she attended a business lunch “Excellent Woman Plzeň” with Šimona, where she was invited to take part in a two-day craft festival.

She wants to continue learning new crochet techniques and patterns. She also dreams of experiencing a wellness day and visiting a beauty salon, and is looking for someone to accompany her. She has learned to manage her energy better and is currently seeking a part-time job. She enjoys manual work.

Veronika

“I have had health complications since my birth — after giving birth, doctors resuscitated me for twenty minutes. At first glance, my disability is not visible, but since childhood I have been living with serious diagnoses: angina pectoris, rheumatoid arthritis and most importantly severe scoliosis of the spine, which is not operable and carries the risk of pinching the spinal cord. One wrong move could cause paralysis. Recently, doctors also discovered a network of benign tumors on my thyroid gland.
Nevertheless, I live a life full of creativity. I paint on glass, fabrics and canvas, take photos and dance with fire and light. For me, dancing is not only a way to express emotions, but also a relief for my back, although I have to pay great attention to every movement. Since February 2025, I have had my own business and I dream of an e-shop and website where I could present my work and especially a series of mandalas, which I am really proud of.
My biggest barrier is psychological discomfort — internal pressure, outbursts of anger and aggression, which often hold me back. That’s why I started working with coach Kateřina Pešková. She helps me regain psychological security, work out priorities and develop my talent. My big dream is to perform in the circus and connect dance, fire and emotions into something exceptional.“

Monika

„My name is Monika and I live in a social services center. I have cerebral palsy and use a wheelchair, but this does not limit me in either my active life or in achieving my goals. It brings me experience, teaches me patience, creativity and finding ways to overcome obstacles.

My passion is social media marketing, so I work with Lady’s, where I take care of client communication, product presentation and team support. Working with people fulfills me every day, motivates me to learn new things, move forward and look for ways to be better.  My goal is to one day have my own salon, where I can help people to feel beautiful and confident. I would also like to travel more and one day fulfill my goal: to look at the sea.

From coaching, I expect that I will learn to plan and achieve my goals better, strengthen my sales and communication skills and be able to provide even better support and care to clients and colleagues.“

P.S. Monika works with coach Dita Pospíšilová Dvořáková.

Marcela

“I am visually impaired and also live with several health conditions. I used to work part-time in a non-profit organization, visiting seniors in their homes and talking with them about their lives. Unfortunately, I lost this job due to a lack of funding. With the help of a coach, I want to find a new job where I can be useful and discover my talents, skills, and potential. I am looking for motivation, inspiration, and the confidence to move forward, grow, and make decisions about my future. I enjoy going out with friends—to the cinema, theatre, concerts, exhibitions, or for walks—but I don’t have many. I would like to find a way to build new friendships.”

P.S.:
Marcela has started working with coach Dita Pospíšilová Dvořáková. After a call at Melodio na kafi (March 2026), she found her first companion and is now exploring which talent to develop. She is naturally well-organized and highly independent. She would like to return to working with seniors, which she enjoyed and which also brought her additional income. In March 2026, she attended the Equal Pay Day conference with Melodio to experience a new environment.

Jana

„About six years ago, I developed an infection in my leg. Since it could not be treated successfully, my leg had to be amputated. This put me in a wheelchair and I lost my independence. Without assistance, I cannot get anywhere. Because of the unavoidable long- term sitting, I suffer from pressure sores, so-called decubitus ulcers.

I am now living in RoSa. Due to my diagnosis, I feel broken inside. With the help of a coach, I would like to heal this wound. For me, this means finding the value and meaning of my life, self-confidence, love for myself, and a sense of solid ground under my feet. This will allow me to move forward and use my potential.“

P.S.: Jana is already working on her goals with coach Libuša Petrovic.

Angelika

“I have lived with cerebral palsy since birth. Doctors did manage to get me on my feet, but only with the help of crutches. After the birth of my son, however, my health deteriorated and I ended up in a wheelchair. Even so, I don’t give up—what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.

Right now I struggle with being rejected for jobs because of my disability, as I couldn’t perform my work to the same degree as a healthy person. That’s why I’ve decided to work on myself with the help of a coach—I want to strengthen my self-confidence, develop my own potential and, at the same time, be able to secure my own livelihood.“

P.S. We organized an Advent concert for Angelika in Prague on December 4, 2025, with an expected proceeds of CZK 25,000 to cover the costs of setting priorities, discovering Angelika’s true talents, and guiding her toward suitable and adequately paid work. Angelika has already begun working on her goals with coach Eva Straková.

Marketa

„In the United States, I worked as an internist and a specialist in sleep medicine. However, my professional life changed dramatically after my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis became known. Although I managed to stay in the field for many years, the illness and a later injury eventually confined me to a wheelchair. Today, I am fully dependent on the assistance of others, and this dependence is the greatest obstacle I face every day.

With the support of a coach, I want to rediscover a sense of purpose and let go of the resignation that has accompanied me since losing my family and my career. I believe that with guidance, I can create a new path for my life—one where I can once again help others. I am already working on a book about multiple sclerosis, aiming to share both my experiences and hope. My motivation is not only to overcome my own limitations but also to show that even after great losses, life still holds meaning.“

P.S. Marketa started to work with coach Ernest Novák on her mental attidutes and emotion stabilty and with mentor Matoosh, who is guiding Marketa in her journey through multiple sclerosis, a diagnose that he himself succesfully fights with alternative approach. That was enabled by proceeds from Poděbrady Baba show concert that we held in November.

Pascale

“As a premature baby, I suffer from cerebral palsy and autism which causes me to be hypersensitive. As an orphan, I grew up in an institution but longed to be independent. After two years of effort, I bought an apartment in Ostrava and am now learning to live a full life.

I am 26 years old. I have no parents and my grandparents have also passed away and financially paying the mortgage and paying for my medication and rehabilitation is unmanageable. Without the contribution of Konto Barriers and Belong Together Ola, I would not be able to pay for the necessary rehabilitation. I would love to do the rehab again in the fall as it helps me so much, but I will not be eligible from insurance this year or next. I would also like to pay off part of the loan.

A coach could help me find other avenues of help and most importantly find a surrogate family.”

P.S.: Pascal works with coach Dita Pospíšilová Dvořáková.

Pavla

„I am a trained cook and used to work in restaurants, and later as a postwoman. When I was 32, I had my first stroke. After cervical spine surgery in 2015, I was left in a wheelchair. However, I went on to have four more strokes, and in 2018, a fifth one. The rehabilitation required great effort—today, from being completely paralyzed, I’ve reached the point where I can even write again, with the help of my daughter. Unfortunately, I have been diagnosed with retinal arteriosclerosis and am gradually losing my sight.

I used to enjoy acoustic shooting and even represented my school in shooting competitions. I’ve always loved sports and nature—my grandfather instilled that in me. My husband helps me a lot, but he is beginning to show signs of physical exhaustion.

With the help of a coach, I want to discover a new reality for my life, new ways to live with these disabilities.“

P.S. at the end of 2025: Pavla is completely blind. She now plans to become a coach and give back what helped her. Melodio will financially support her in her training. She will start with training in NLP techniques. We made a time-lapse documentary with Pavla.

Eliska

„I was born with cerebral palsy with spastic quadriparesis. CP is my primary diagnosis, but it is also associated with other conditions, such as frequent epileptic seizures.

I move around in a mechanical and electric wheelchair, live alone in a wheelchair accessible apartment and depend mainly on myself financially. I currently work in a sheltered workshop as a production assistant (sewing workshop). Although my health is deteriorating, I wish to continue working so that I can take care of myself. My goal is to be an inspiration to others.

Working with a coach, I would like to open new doors, find a path to personal growth, get psychological support and help in finding a new job.“

Veronika

„I have been living with cerebral palsy since birth and am wheelchair bound. I was born prematurely as one of twins. Unfortunately, my little sister died after giving birth. I have heard since I was a child that I am a great fighter – I believe it was she who passed on her strength to me.

In addition to my physical limitations, I also struggle with psychological difficulties that not everyone can understand or accept – and sometimes I struggle with that myself. Recently, I lost the opportunity to fulfill my dream – to finish my high school diploma – because of a man who didn’t give me a chance. It was another of the many life blows I had to accept.

I look to coaching to help me accept myself. I hope that through it I will be able to become independent from my family, find a job, a partner and new friends in the future. I would like to lead my own life one day. Albeit with occasional help.“

P.S: Veronika works with coach Dita Pospíšilová Dvořáková and, among other things, is planning the Melodio cultural event in Liberec in 2026. She took a course in graphic design and will contribute her art to the creation of Melodio materials.

Michal

“I am studying to teach German at a German university. With the help of a coach, I want to find ways to fulfill my dream of becoming an interpreter after graduation, despite my disability. Although I crave the company of people, I spend most of my time alone. With a coach, I want to clarify my ideas about making friends and partnerships, and I want to find out what I should do better to make more friends and find a partner to start a family with in the future. I want a life change.”

Dagmar

“I suffer from many mental traumas due to the neurological syndrome Guillain-Barré, which repeatedly causes the body to collapse, a completely paralyzing condition.  I have been out of my wheelchair twice. But I still have mental conditions based on these experiences.

I don’t want to keep swallowing medication, it doesn’t work for my anxieties. They only cause dizziness and loss of appetite.

By working with therapist and coach Petra Chvátalová, I hope to be able to live without phobias. I want to feel motivated to live again and to be aware of nice things. As it is, I can’t do it without help. I need to unblock traumatic events so that they don’t come back into my mind and stop taking away my motivation for life.”

P.S. In 2025, we gave Dagmar the opportunity to work with coach Petra Chvátalová, who is also a psychiatrist with a holistic approach. However, she had to stop working after three sessions. Dagmar still has the door open, but we understand that some mental difficulties do not allow her to strengthen her desire and motivation to work on herself.

Jakub

„I’m 31 years old. I have been living with a disability since I was a child due to cerebral palsy and my life requires the assistance of another person all day long. But I am very active, I lecture at the Faculty of Philosophy about the way of life of a person with disabilities and I am a lecturer in the Moravian-Silesian region in the project „Live normally 2“.

I consider the fact that some people treat me like a child to be an obstacle to my employment. I am not alone, some other people with disabilities also experience this. That’s why I want to work on raising awareness in this respect and explaining how to approach us. With a coach, I want to explore my strengths and find ways to make my life better.“

P.S.: With coach Kateřina Pešková, he learned to set limits on his workload during 2025, create quality time for himself, and focus on self-development. He is now working on creative writing in a group with lecturer Jitka Hloušková, and with career coach Bára Smijová, he is preparing what he needs to become a website tester from the perspective of the needs of people with disabilities. He is a freelance article writer for Melodio and is open to other assignments. He has also set a goal of improving his work with AI for 2026.

Alena

“I come from a dysfunctional family and grew up in orphanages. I trained as a weaver. I fell off a roof when I was 20 and have been paralyzed ever since. Since 1996 I have lived in a social services centre in Hrabyně, North Moravia. After the death of a friend who had a severe disability, I longed to become independent and succeeded. Since 2024 I have been living in Opava temporarily in a sublet. My dream is to live on my own permanently. I want to help more people in the Association of the Physically Disabled of Hrabyně (STP) and my friends in wheelchairs, and for this I need better technical means, such as a quality wheelchair and an additional drive. With a coach I want to find out what activities would be gainful for me, for example I enjoy doing graphic work on the computer. At the moment I am doing administration in a sheltered workshop and the earnings are very low, not enough for my plans.he future. I want a life change.”

P.S. Alena had major health challenges in 2025. We look forward to her finding the strength to continue her personal development in 2026.

Helena

“My name is Helena Šestáková and I am a pharmaceutical laboratory technician with a focus on homeopathy. My approach to health is holistic – I believe that it is possible to live a healthy life without the excessive use of medicines. I try to work on myself and help people find balance.

However, fate has put me to a difficult test. My husband was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor (stage 4 glioblastoma). After three surgeries, he is now at home but completely dependent on my care. In addition, I had to undergo knee surgery myself. Nevertheless, I am determined to stay with him because I believe that being together helps him to keep his personality and dignity.

This experience has taught me that I also have to deal with my own psychosomatic problems that interfere with my life. I would like to find a way to impart my knowledge to people in a different way than in a pharmacy, with more emphasis on individual attention. I am already fulfilling this dream, but I need to move on so that I can live and work within my means.”

Michal

„My name is Michal Krch. In 2001, I lost my sight as a result of an injury, which fundamentally changed my entire life. Nevertheless, I studied special education and completed a massage course. Now I work as a massage therapist. Since 2010, I have been involved in bowling and represent the Czech Republic in international tournaments. In my professional and sports career, I have reached my limits, and I want to overcome them in collaboration with a coach.“

P.S.: Michal is a rocker. He works with coach Pavel Rabenseifner on management and leadership techniques to develop his teamwork in sports, in bowling for people with visual impairments.

Oliver

“I’ve been practically blind since birth. I got my high school diploma without a high school diploma because the school was not equipped with access for the blind and I failed my high school diploma in accounting. I have a third degree disability and am now not employed. I DJ for fun. I really enjoy electronic dance music. Recently, I was disturbed by the cancer illness of a very close person and have taken it hard mentally.

What is my current barrier that I believe a coach can help me resolve? I am unsure about personal matters, I would like to start a family and gain a new purpose in life. I realize that personal growth and greater self-confidence can help me do this.”

P.S. Oliver is keeping his motivation for personal growth within himself for now.

George

“I live with my parents and currently have no job and no family of my own. Due to a brain tumour I am partially paralysed, thanks to intensive rehabilitation I have already improved my condition a lot, only my arm is paralysed. This limits my work capacity. What do I want to change? And why do I want to work on myself with a coach? My goal is to change my life so that I can start a family.”

P.S.: Jiří worked intensively with coach Kateřina Pešková in 2024. Jiří secured a new decent job with better pay in January 2025. Jiří likes to go dancing and is looking for a partner for family life. He is a loyal and enthusiastic fan of Melodia.

Radek

“My name is Radek Halas, I come from Klatovy and I am blind. My interests are

walking, swimming, reading, listening to music or shows and radio games

and a cat cafe. I expect coaching to move me somewhere with my

thoughts and plans in the present and future. I look forward to coaching.”

P.S.: Radek clarified his direction with coach Vojta Cibulka and chose one main one from his many talents: creative writing. He is working on this with lecturer Jitka Hloušková. His goal is to write a radio play. For now, he is writing short stories, and pretty spicy ones! With Vojta Cibulka, he continues to do fitness exercises and swimming, which helps him to better orient himself. Thanks to working with the coach, he got rid of his phobia of wasps and deep water.

Jitka

“In 2001, after graduating from high school, I had an accident that left me using a wheelchair. Since then, I’ve been studying, working, and trying to improve myself bit by bit.

Professionally, I’m involved in environmental education. Simultaneously, I guide people who are newly using a wheelchair due to spinal cord injuries as a so-called peer mentor. During my free time, I enjoy contemplation, attempting to learn the art of doing nothing, or at least slowing down, and engaging in both dry land and water-based activities, preferably in nature. An ideal day for me would have at least 30 hours to fit in everything I have planned.

I love the view from the window into the greenery, and one of my plans is a project to travel Europe by train from south to north (or vice versa).

I believe and hope that collaborating with a coach will help me broaden my horizons and perhaps discover new possibilities and talents.”

P.S.: Jitka works with coach Iva Barnincová. Subtle changes on the surface and even more significant changes inside. Inner strength will sooner or later manifest itself in a better quality of life. Jitka is gradually moving towards this.

Karin

“After two serious injuries, a fire and a car collision, I am in a wheelchair. I have quadriparesis, which is paralysis of the limbs. I suffer from incurable chronic pain, I also have a visual impairment and many other ailments. I am very active. I sing, play the keyboard, the neck and much more. I would like to prioritize my life with a coach and wish to process my childhood anxieties and traumas.”

P.S.: With coach Kateřina Pešková, she learned to live with herself during 2024 and 2025. For some, it might be a trivial thing, but for Karin it is vital, because she doesn’t have to bring on acute health problems just to be with people. At the same time, she values ​​her time more. She will probably work on this again in the future to get a well-paid job. For now, she is enjoying her performances and victories in sports.

Kristyna

“I have been in a wheelchair since I was twelve years old after a spinal cord injury. During my studies at high school, I did top monoskiing and represented the Czech Republic. Later on, I also started parasurfing. Now I live with my partner in Olomouc, study psychology and work as a peer mentor for people after spinal cord injury in the Czech Association of Paraplegics. I would like to work with a coach especially on my development in my working and study life.”

Radek

“As a result of an injury I lost most of my eyesight. Nevertheless, I am trying to become independent because I don’t want to be dependent on the help of others. I spend several hours a week teaching people with similar disabilities how to use computers. With the help of my coach Kateřina Pešková, I am gradually figuring out how to cope with the pitfalls of independent living despite my visual disability. Now I will continue to work on myself with a sports coach to get one of the right life habits that I have defined with the Melodio Foundation coach.”

P.S.: Radek is an indispensable member of the Melodio team as a website editor. Coach Kateřina Pešková opened his way into the world, he now has a white cane as a friend, not as a burden. From his fitness coach Vojta Cibulka, he learned to “Be your own best friend”, which means that he exercises, eats well so that back pain and previous unnecessary extra pounds do not return. His sarcastic humor will be used at many a party!

Libor

“I have had many unpleasant experiences. When I was repairing a roof, the scaffolding broke and I fell from 13 meters straight onto the concrete. After a year I learned to walk again, but I got MRSA, which is an aggressive golden staph, in my left leg. I tried to save my leg, I managed to find a clinic in Poland. But because of the high cost of treatment, I had to sell my apartment. Unfortunately, I couldn’t save my leg. Now I would like to find peace and quiet within myself. Since 2015 I have been in a wheelchair, selling New Space and staying in various hostels. With my coach Karolina Chovancova, I got motivated and made it clear to myself that at the moment, the only thing that is really my life anchor is wheelchair accessible housing. Melodio is now helping me to find the right contacts and legal assistance to ensure that my application for an apartment meets all the necessary requirements and that I am granted wheelchair accessible housing.”

P.S. Libor died of severe pneumonia in 2025. We are glad that we were able to open the door to optimism and self-acceptance for him in the last months of his life.

Romana

“Romana has lived with cerebral palsy – spastic quadriplegia – since birth. In order to live a good quality of life, she needs constant support and assistance from another person. At the time she learned about the activities of the Melodio Foundation, she was intensively searching for meaningful employment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she had to leave her job as a social worker and was unable to find another job, which had a negative impact on her self-confidence. Thanks to the support of NF Melodio and coach Pavel Rabenseifner, she began to work on her strengths again and gradually realized that she would like to make a living from her great hobby – writing. Today, Romana works in marketing as a copywriter. “The work of the Melodio Foundation is meaningful, and I recommend working with a coach to everyone,” says Romana.”

Mates

“In 2003 I became paralyzed after a car accident. I was a keen sportsman and I was drawn to sport. I represented our country in para-hockey, and now I’m taking up para-badminton again, and I want to achieve great results in that as well. With my coach Tereza Dyntar, I have learned important mental techniques that will help me to work better with my feelings after a loss. I will be able to pass on my new experience.”

P.S. Mates is a great example of how even just a few work sessions with a coach can bring long-lasting results. As a supporter of Melodia, he starred in our TV commercial, which aired in February 2025 on iVysílání.

Thomas

“Even though I was diagnosed with a rare disease, Friedreich’s ataxia, at a young age with a bleak prognosis, I try to have a positive attitude to life. Thanks to the disease, I was in a situation where I lost my current job. I want to start a new project with a coach while clarifying my vision and values.”

P.S. In 2026, Tomáš is working with coach Pavel Rabenseifner on his new project.

Eva

“My name is Eva and I have been in a wheelchair for 20 years due to nerve damage in my legs. I work in a nursing home as a dispatcher of assistants. I worked with coach Eva Strakova for a few months in 2023 and now I am being guided by trainer Zuzana Köhler to improve my telephone work. I want to improve in fundraising and also apply myself as a research interviewer.”

P.S. Eva also learned to work better with a computer in subsequent development. In 2024 and 2025, she created a database of entrepreneurs for Melodio to approach for cooperation. In 2026, she will also use her skills and will produce decorative bows for Melodio, which we will use to decorate tables and halls at our concerts.