Dolphin for Bára

My name is Dáša Doleželová, and I met Bára as a colleague at school, where she worked as a teaching assistant. She immediately impressed me with her kindness, dedication, and selfless willingness to help others. Despite facing her own health challenges, she never complained. Our friendship deepened through my daughter’s love of ballet, which connected us to the ballet school run by Bára’s mother, where Bára helps out. Over time, I came to know her not just as a colleague but as an incredibly determined person whom I want to support in her fight.

I became fascinated by dolphin therapy, so my husband, children, and I attended a talk on the topic.

While I was already familiar with much of the information, it was all new to my husband. When he heard about the effects of the therapy on Bára, he was just as captivated as I was. We searched for more details and realized that dolphin therapy is not widely known in our country. Then, we witnessed Bára experiencing a series of epileptic seizures, and all we could do was watch helplessly. That was the moment we knew we had to take action.

It was my husband who came up with the idea of creating a song that would not only raise awareness about dolphin therapy but also become part of the Dolphin for Bára fundraising campaign. That’s how the song, the music video, and the fundraiser were born. Our first step was taken. From that moment, I no longer had just a friend—our families formed a deep bond. The song brought us together, and I believe it can connect even more people who want to help. It is in this power of friendship and support that I see the reason why we should all help Bára take another step toward improving her health.

Who Are We Helping?

From birth, doctors predicted that, due to her diagnosis of cerebral palsy, Bára would spend her life in a wheelchair, unable to move on her own and completely dependent on others. But her parents refused to accept this prognosis, and thanks to their determination and relentless care, she achieved the impossible—she stood on her own feet. Despite struggling with weakened motor skills, impaired hearing, and vision issues, she gradually integrated into everyday life. She attended kindergarten and school, overcame obstacles, and learned to navigate the world in her own way.

At the age of 14, she had her first epileptic seizures, which turned her life upside down. She had to give up some of her favorite activities, including swimming—not just a hobby, but a place of freedom for her. Over time, her condition stabilized, allowing her to complete secondary school with a focus on social work and dedicate herself to working with children with special needs. Thanks to her own experience with disability, she became a huge inspiration to them.

She also discovered her talent and love for photography.

She met the love of her life, got married, and continued working as a teaching assistant and swimming instructor. She helped children with learning difficulties navigate school and integrate into peer groups. Her life was filled with helping others—until her health took another turn for the worse.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the stress of isolation triggered stronger epileptic seizures, which increased in frequency until she was experiencing up to twenty a day. Severe migraines and non-epileptic seizures followed, gradually limiting her ability to live a normal life. Yet, Bára never gave up—she is still searching for ways to reclaim her independence and return to doing what she loves.

Her love for animals also led her to discover dolphin therapy. When she first underwent it, her body responded incredibly well—she regained control over the left side of her body, her seizures subsided, and she felt stronger overall. The dolphins helped her not only physically but also mentally, giving her hope and renewed energy.

What Is Dolphin Therapy?

Dolphin therapy is a unique form of therapy that involves interaction between humans and dolphins. It is based on the positive effects of engaging with these intelligent and sensitive creatures, which can stimulate both physical and psychological well-being.

Research and experience show that swimming and activities with dolphins, where the dolphin itself assists with proper body positioning, can improve motor skills, reduce muscle tension, enhance speech abilities, and promote overall mental well-being.

Another crucial aspect is dolphin sonar therapy, in which the patient floats in the water while the dolphin instinctively identifies the right areas to focus on, creating a deep connection between the human and the dolphin. Dolphins emit high-frequency sounds that penetrate deep into tissues and stimulate the nervous system. This can help individuals with neurological issues by reducing muscle stiffness and tremors, as well as providing relaxation and stress relief.

Dolphin therapy is conducted in Antalya, Turkey, and consists of ten therapy sessions with Czech-speaking dolphin therapist Oldřich Bureš and a dolphin. In addition to swimming, activities, direct contact, and sonar therapy with the dolphin, the program also includes music therapy, Tibetan bowls, physiotherapy, massages, and comprehensive rehabilitation.

Now, Bára needs to undergo this therapy again. However, dolphin therapy is not covered by health insurance and is financially demanding. That is why this fundraiser was created—to help Bára once again experience the freedom, movement, and healing that dolphins bring her. Dolphins are guides who can show the way even when life seems to have come to a standstill. For Bára, they have become a symbol of healing and a second chance.

How Can You Help?

Every donation counts. Even a small contribution can mean a huge step toward a better life. By sharing this fundraiser, spreading awareness, or offering financial support, you can become part of a story that changes lives.

The song Dolphin for Bára, created to support this fundraiser, accompanies this entire journey. It plays on the fundraiser’s website and carries a message of hope—that even when the current is strong, together we can help Bára keep swimming through it. Connections were already forming during the song’s creation. We wanted its message to be authentic, so we reached out to Bára’s favorite singer and close family friend, Jakub Machulda. His warmth, kindness, and willingness to help naturally led him to become not only the voice of the song but also the patron of the entire fundraiser.

How Will the Funds Be Used?

All the collected funds will be used to cover the costs of dolphin therapy, which has significantly helped Bára in her fight against illness.

In addition to the therapy itself, the funds will also cover essential travel expenses—airfare, accommodation, and meals for Bára and her husband, who is also her full-time caregiver.

His presence is crucial, as Bára depends on his assistance in daily life, and he will provide her with the necessary support throughout the journey and therapy sessions.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who chooses to support Bára. Her story proves that miracles do happen. And we can all be a part of them.