Grade IV rhabdomyosarcoma❗Liam is fighting for his life despite the recurrence of his disease❗

First signs

Shortly after his first birthday, Liam suddenly stopped eating and drinking. His parents immediately sought medical help. Initially , parasitic causes were suspected , but the boy's condition did not improve despite treatment. Concern grew when his body stopped functioning properly and the symptoms that appeared indicated a serious disturbance of his basic vital functions.

On September 25, Liam was taken to the emergency room, where he was admitted to the pediatric ward. Imaging tests did not reveal any abnormalities at the time, but blood tests revealed dangerous electrolyte imbalances. The boy's condition was so serious that he had to be transferred to the intensive care unit.

Once his condition had stabilized, he was transferred back to the pediatric ward. His symptoms had subsided, his vital signs had returned to normal, and for a moment there was hope that the worst was over.  An MRI scan of his head showed enlargement of the optic nerve, which, in connection with confirmed type I neurofibromatosis, indicated the likelihood of glioma and was the basis for referring the boy for further diagnosis at a clinic specializing in neurofibromatosis.

Just before discharge, a follow-up abdominal ultrasound was performed. The result from November 5, 2023, stopped time. In a place where there had been no changes a few weeks earlier, a tumor with a diameter of nine centimeters appeared.

The biopsy brought devastating news: stage IV rhabdomyosarcoma.

Treatment and the fight to preserve organs

After the diagnosis , everything accelerated. Chemotherapy was started to halt the progression of the disease. After three cycles, imaging tests were performed in Krakow. The parents were told that the tumor was too extensive to be operated on.

They did not accept this answer. They began consulting specialists across the country. One of them presented them with a difficult choice: radical surgery in Poland involving removal of the bladder, or conservative treatment using brachytherapy in Germany.

After eleven cycles of chemotherapy , Liam went in for surgery. On August 25, 2024, the tumor was removed, followed by ten days of brachytherapy. The procedure was successful, but the road to recovery did not become any easier.

After the operation, the left kidney stopped draining urine into the bladder. A nephrostomy had to be performed. In May 2025, a ureter transplant was performed in Germany. Subsequent tests gave hope that the boy's body was regaining its balance. Follow-up tests gave hope for stabilization.

Recurrence of the disease

The night of June 28-29, 2025, interrupted this fragile peace. Severe pain led to urgent hospitalization in Krakow. Tests showed that the disease had returned. A biopsy performed in Wrocław confirmed the return of the cancer.

Another course of chemotherapy was started in July. In September, disease progression was confirmed. Four different lines of treatment were implemented, but none of them produced the desired effect.

At the end of December 2025 , Liam's condition deteriorated rapidly. He was transported by ambulance to Wrocław. During the operation, an extensive tumor was removed along with his bladder and part of his intestines. It was the only chance to stop the disease.
Histopathological examination revealed the presence of microscopic cancer cells. Treatment had to be continued.

Treatment is still ongoing

Liam was placed under the care of the team at Przylądek Nadziei (Cape of Hope) in Wrocław. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were started.

Today, he has completed his first cycle of chemotherapy and is undergoing scheduled radiation therapy. He has no bladder and is functioning with a urostomy and colostomy. Radiation therapy also covers healthy parts of the intestine, as the organs have shifted into the space left by the removed tumor. The priority remains to complete the full cycle of treatment and implement the next stage of therapy.
Despite everything he has been through, his condition is described as stable. After years of struggle, there is cautious hope.

Everyday life of a family

The parents live between hospital corridors and responsibilities that cannot be postponed. Dad works to support the family and pay off debts. Mom worked remotely for a long time thanks to the kindness of her employer, but today she is on leave to be with her son.

There was a moment when palliative care was suggested. They refused. Every day with Liam is priceless to them.

The most difficult aspects remain separation from home, isolation, and constant anxiety about tomorrow—above all, the fear of further progression of the disease and the constant worry that they will hear again that there is no longer any possibility of treatment.

When you manage to stop seeing him as a cancer patient for a moment, the ordinary fascinations of a three-year-old come to the fore. Liam happily watches Paw Patrol, follows excavators and trucks with delight, enjoys the sight of dogs, loves to play in the sandbox, and watch airplanes flying by the window.

These small moments of delight reveal, above all, the child and a reminder of how different his life should be.