We are the parents of Liwia, a little girl who is bravely fighting one of the most devastating diagnoses a child can face: neuroblastoma, the worst form of childhood cancer. Every day, we are doing everything in our power to save her, but we are facing a huge financial burden. In order to give her the best chance at survival, we need to raise a significant amount of money for a vaccine that will help prevent a recurrence of the disease. This life-saving treatment is only available in the United States, and the cost is overwhelming. We are asking for your support, as we cannot do this alone.
Our journey began in November 2024, a month that should have been filled with joy and hope for our daughter’s future. It was a routine visit to our pediatrician after Liwia had been battling a persistent cough following an infection. But during the consultation, the doctor noticed something alarming—Liwia’s belly was unusually enlarged. Concerned, the doctor ordered some tests, and what followed was nothing short of devastating. The diagnosis was a massive tumor, and our world came crashing down.
We were speechless. How could our vibrant, energetic little girl have such a dangerous tumor in her body? The worst news, however, was yet to come. The tumor was located in a critical area near her spine, and it was deemed inoperable. The doctors explained that the only option was chemotherapy to try and shrink the tumor. So, our daughter, at such a young age, began her battle at an oncology clinic, where her body was flooded with chemotherapy.
The toll on Liwia was immediate. Her hair fell out, and the side effects of the chemotherapy were brutal. But despite our deepest fears and uncertainties, we pressed on. Sadly, after months of grueling treatment, it became clear that the chemotherapy wasn’t working as we had hoped. The tumor hadn’t shrunk as much as we needed it to.
Faced with this heart-wrenching reality, the doctors told us that surgery would now be necessary. Although this comes with immense risks, we have to take that step. We are terrified, but we trust in the expertise of the medical professionals guiding us through this battle. They have been nothing short of amazing, offering us hope when we thought we had none.
What we don’t know is how much of the tumor can be removed or if one surgery will be enough, or if Liwia will need multiple surgeries. She is already suffering terribly. The chemotherapy has left her exhausted, and she experiences frequent vomiting, diarrhea, and excruciating pain due to neuropathy. On top of that, her kidneys have been damaged by the very treatment meant to save her life.
Cancer is not just affecting Liwia; it’s affecting our entire family. The constant separations from her sister, who misses her dearly, have been incredibly difficult. Liwia also longs to see her grandparents, cousins, and friends. She often asks when she can be with them again. Despite the overwhelming pain and uncertainty, Liwia has remained an optimistic little girl. She shows us strength we never knew existed, and her smile, even in the darkest of times, lights up our hearts.
Thanks to the generous funds raised from the previous fundraiser, we’ve been able to cover some of our daily expenses, such as rehabilitation equipment, medications, travel, and specialist consultations. We are truly grateful for the support we’ve already received. However, we find ourselves in a position where we must ask for help again.
Once Liwia completes her treatment here in Poland, her only hope for the future is to receive a vaccine that will help prevent the neuroblastoma from returning. This vaccine is only available in the United States, and it is incredibly expensive. Without your help, we won’t be able to access this vital treatment for our daughter. This vaccine is her best chance at surviving this devastating illness and living a full, healthy life.
We are asking you to be with us during the most difficult time in our lives. Liwia deserves a childhood filled with love, joy, and laughter, not one overshadowed by sickness and hospital stays. Together, we can give her the chance for a healthy future. Your donation, no matter how small, will make a difference in our daughter’s life. It will give her the opportunity to grow, thrive, and live the life she deserves—free from the shadow of cancer.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, support, and generosity. We are truly grateful for every donation, every prayer, and every share of our story. With your help, we can give Liwia the future she so desperately deserves.
With love and hope,
Liwia’s parents