Father Jan Kaczkowski's enduring legacy of compassion and resilience

Father Jan Kaczkowski, a priest and bioethicist, passed away ten years ago after a long battle with brain cancer. His legacy lives on through the Puck Hospice, which he founded in 2004, and his story continues to inspire many across Poland. Born on 19 July 1977 in Gdynia, Kaczkowski dedicated his life to helping others. In 2004, he established the Puck Hospice, a place where terminally ill patients could receive care and dignity in their final days. He personally oversaw its construction between 2007 and 2009, later serving as its director and board president.

In 2011, Patryk Galewski, now a renowned chef, arrived at the hospice as a convicted offender fulfilling community service. Kaczkowski's guidance transformed Galewski's life, setting him on a new path. Diagnosed with glioblastoma—one of the most aggressive brain tumours—Kaczkowski defied expectations by living for 45 months and 26 days after his diagnosis. His resilience and compassion became widely known, inspiring a 2022 film titled *Johnny*, starring Dawid Ogrodnik.

Father Kaczkowski's work at the Puck Hospice has left a lasting impact on countless lives. Though the exact number of patients who spent their final days there remains unrecorded, his story of courage and dedication endures. A decade after his death, his influence continues to shape those who knew him and the broader community.