My son has a BRAIN CANCER!❗️Help defeat the enemy and save his life❗️

My name is Małgorzata, and I am the mother of a wonderful boy called Joshua, who suffers from a life-threatening disease! Please help!

Our story began in June 2023 when my son developed persistent headaches that didn't go away. His behavior changed - he became nervous, and he found any minor physical effort exhausting. According to the pediatrician, these were puberty-related migraine headaches. The real reason behind Joshua's pain was much more serious, though…

Joshua received referrals to a neurologist and laboratory to have his blood tested. Unfortunately, both insurance-covered and private doctor's appointment dates were distant (July at the earliest!). Meanwhile, Joshua's health condition deteriorated almost overnight - he became weak, developed nausea, and two days later, started to vomit... We rushed him to the emergency room. 

On July 3, 2023, our life changed 180 degrees. A CT scan of his brain showed a 5 cm large tumor - carcinoma of unknown primary! 

Joshua was immediately transported to the neurosurgery unit of Upper Silesian Children's Health Center in Katowice.

Three days later, he was on an operating table, fighting for his life! He underwent a temporal craniotomy to remove the right temporal lobe, where the tumor was located. The complex procedure was successful, and no neurological side effects were observed. 

Several days after Josua had turned 11, we received histopathology results that came like a bolt from the blue - Joshua had a highly malignant tumor - glioblastoma! The world stopped, and my heart broke into pieces.  

Joshua was admitted to the Upper Silesian Children's Health Center again. This time - to the cancer unit... Thankfully, an MRI scan showed no cancer metastases. Joshua also underwent a cerebrospinal fluid liquid biopsy and started chemotherapy and radiation therapy. 

The enemy was crueler than we had thought. The results of genetic tests performed in Bonn were terrifying. It turned out that Joshua had six gene mutations that made the cancer more aggressive! 

Since chemotherapy in Poland might not be effective in his case, I have consulted facilities abroad (in the USA, Germany, France, Switzerland, and Canada) that treat Joshua's mutation. 

I also learned that Joshua might have an MMRd (mismatch repair deficiency) tumor, which makes him more prone to cancer! However, further genetic testing is necessary. The doctors from Zurich and Toronto also recommended implementing immunotherapy as soon as possible if it turns out that MMRd tumor is present for 100%. 

An opportunity presented itself in Switzerland. University Children's Hospital Zurich offered us extra examinations and individual therapy tailored to Joshua's test results! 

Unfortunately, as a single mom, I cannot afford an expensive treatment. However, I will do my best to save my child, so I am asking all good-hearted people to help me raise funds for Joshua's examinations and further therapy. 

My son is everything to me. I cannot imagine what would happen if I lost him... I am begging you for support!

Małgorzata, Joshua's mom

*The amount to raise is estimated.

UPDATES

November 29, 2023, 10:44 am

The most terrible diagnosis has been confirmed❗️Save Joshua❗️ 

The doctors from Zurich and Toronto detected a gene mutation in Joshua's blood, which makes the cancer more difficult to cure. 

Having MSH6 mutation means having Lynch syndrome, which increases the risk for cancer, including colorectal, kidney, bladder, stomach, and prostate cancer, and endometrial and ovarian cancer in women. 

This news caused more fear and anxiety, and as a mother, I am totally devastated... 

Immunotherapy in Zurich, which might be effective for Joshua’s glioblastoma, is our last resort! 

Since the latest MRI scan didn't show any new cancer cells, we must act fast and start the treatment as soon as possible. The doctors say now is the perfect moment! 

Unfortunately, immunotherapy costs hundreds of thousands of zlotys, and we cannot predict its duration... 

So today, I am asking you for support again! Therapy must start now! Without your donations, it won't. The first, six-month-long session plus transportation cost over 400.000 zlotys, which I cannot afford. 

However, I will do my best to save my son! We are strong enough to fight the disease, and the only obstacle standing in our way is money. 

Please join us in our battle! Even a small donation or a share can make a difference!

Małgorzata, Joshua's mom