Bile duct cancer! Magdalena needs help in her fight for her health!

The Diagnosis Behind Back Pain

It all began in August 2025 with excruciating pain and sciatica, and eventually a mild weakness in her left leg. Imaging tests revealed the cause: a metastatic tumor on the L4 vertebra, which was compressing the structures of the spinal canal. Further diagnostic tests showed that Magdalena was battling stage IV malignant bile duct cancer with numerous metastases, including to the bones.

A treatment that has hit a roadblock

In October 2025, Magdalena underwent surgery to remove a spinal tumor and stabilize her vertebrae. She then began palliative radiation therapy and chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy. Unfortunately, the treatment severely damaged her bone marrow, forcing doctors to discontinue chemotherapy. Currently, only immunotherapy and bone-supportive treatment are being continued. That is why Magdalena is now looking for another effective treatment method.

The hardest things are the ordinary, everyday chores

The constant back pain that Magdalena has been experiencing for a year makes even cooking dinner a challenge, and she is unable to stand for long periods of time. On top of that, she has underlying health conditions and is extremely fatigued. And yet, every day she tackles responsibilities that many take for granted. What worries her most, however, is her financial situation and her children’s future.

A mother who is everything to her children

From Monday through Saturday, Magdalena is alone with her two children, as her husband works outside of Kraków—all over Poland—wherever there are jobs. Her older son has been diagnosed with a mobility disability, aphasia, and difficulty concentrating, so he requires special care, patience, and lots of exercises. Magdalena is still learning how to provide this care and has noticed that her son is able to calm down only when she is with him. The feeling that she is most needed by her children gives her the strength to keep fighting.

The passion he wants to return to

Despite everything, Magdalena tries to nurture the things that bring her joy—namely, crocheting and knitting. These are moments when she can take a brief respite from her illness and feel that she is creating something of her own.

Let's help Magdalena find a new treatment option

Since chemotherapy is no longer an option, the funds raised will allow Magdalena to explore other possibilities: genetic testing of her tumor and precision targeted therapies, as well as rehabilitation, which will help her regain the strength she needs to care for her children on a daily basis. Every donation offers her real hope for another treatment option now that standard treatment options have been exhausted.