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Prijedor opened its heart to te Kostadinović family
In July 2025, the “Nikola Baroš” Foundation launched a one-day humanitarian campaign in Prijedor. Because sometimes a story finds you. And you cannot look away.
That is how the story of the Kostadinović family reached us. A family that asks for nothing, yet endures so much, every single day. They are from Novi Grad (BiH), currently staying in Kuljani, near the hospital, so their sons can be as close as possible to the care they need.
Seven children are growing up in their home. Two of them, Stefan (17) and Dario (15), live with muscular dystrophy, a severe and progressive disease.
Their mother, Slađana, is more than a parent. She is the pillar of the house, their support and fighter. A quiet hero of the everyday. She does not work, because she cannot leave the children alone. The father works whenever an opportunity appears: manual jobs, day wages; whatever the day brings.
The eldest daughter has started a family of her own, while at home there remain their daughter Sara (12), Anastasija (10), and the youngest, Maša (4).
But what impressed us most was not only their modesty. It was their knowledge, resolve, and strength. In speaking with the parents, Slađana and Duško, it was clear: they have not been lost in the unknown. They know the diagnosis well, follow the latest findings, research, learn, and are connected with other parents. They leave nothing to chance. Aware of the seriousness of the illness and their responsibility, they do not retreat. On the contrary, with every new day they show what a dignified fight looks like.
Guided by faith and hope, Slađana gave birth to a seventh daughter, believing her stem cells could help her sons. The therapy, unfortunately, did not bring the desired results. But their will has not weakened.
Twelve-year-old Sara already stands out as an exceptional young athlete, a basketball player who keeps bringing home awards, as persistent and hardworking as her entire family.
There is order, peace, and love in their home. The children are well-mannered, united, and grateful. The home is filled with warmth, even though daily life is hard and challenging.
One Day, One City, One Great Heart
The “Nikola Baroš” Foundation organized a humanitarian stand as part of the “Golden Hands of Potkozarje” event, hosted by the Prijedor Tourist Board.
Instead of selling, we gifted the Foundation’s handcrafted items; people took what they liked and left a donation, whatever they could. The response was extraordinary. In just one day, 2,343.50 KM was collected. The full amount was handed over to the Kostadinović family. At the closing of the event, a family member personally received the aid. Grateful, modest, and smiling.
Hearts that Gave Even More
Our special thanks go to:
Udruženje za očuvanje tradicije Prijedor
Kolo srpskih sestara
KUD “Brojanica”
These three organizations donated their cash prizes for the best-decorated stands to the Kostadinović family as well, and personally handed them to the mother, Slađana. It was a gesture that spoke quietly yet powerfully of human kindness.
Let This Not Be the End
Although our campaign has ended, their everyday struggle has not. If you wish, you can continue to help:
Contact via facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1DMY8YVGBA
or
Make a payment to:
Slađana Kostadinović
Žiro račun: 1613000066997470
The “Nikola Baroš” Foundation is proud of everyone who took part. Of every smile, every word of encouragement, every coin given with love.
Prijedor did not turn away. It looked straight into the quiet burden carried by families like the Kostadinovićs, and reached out its hand.
We were only a bridge. A bridge over which, if only for a single day, hope walked.
And love. ❤️
