Marika wants to get better! She needs your help

Marika is 30 years old, and until recently she was leading a normal life: she worked, made plans for the future with her fiancé, and enjoyed everyday life. Today, her reality looks completely different. Advanced craniofacial cancer has robbed her of her health, her sense of security, and her ability to function normally. Intensive treatment saved her life, but it left behind immense devastation that she struggles to cope with every day.

The illness started innocently

The first symptoms appeared while she was working in April 2025. Marika was preparing parts for painting at a manufacturer of GPS antennas used, among other things, by the military and the aviation industry. Every day, she worked in a small, enclosed room filled with dust generated by the sanding of various materials and coatings.

Over time, she began experiencing nosebleeds and symptoms resembling chronic sinusitis. Marika visited her family doctor on numerous occasions, but for a long time she was treated solely for sinus problems. Her symptoms grew increasingly severe. Marika began to suspect that her health condition might be related to her working conditions and decided to quit her job.

Despite numerous visits and her deteriorating health, it took many months before she received the correct diagnosis. Marika found a private clinic on her own, where she underwent a nasal endoscopy. Even then, the doctors noticed very concerning changes and urgently referred her for a biopsy. The diagnosis was devastating—sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma at stage T4 + N2 with metastases to the lymph nodes.

Devastating treatment and severe complications

A grueling battle for her life began. Marika underwent six cycles of chemotherapy and thirty sessions of radiation therapy, administered almost daily for many weeks. The treatment was extremely aggressive and left her with severe side effects. She suffered extensive damage to her mouth, throat, and palate, severe radiation burns, difficulty swallowing, and extreme physical weakness.

In January 2026, it was necessary to remove all of the upper teeth due to damage to the jawbone caused by cancer. The disease and its treatment also led to a very large defect in the palate and a deformation of the upper jaw, which currently makes it difficult to speak, eat, and carry out daily activities. There are days when even the simplest tasks require a tremendous amount of effort.

The illness robbed her of her independence

During the most difficult phase of her treatment, Marika was so weak that she couldn’t get out of bed on her own. Her loved ones cared for her practically around the clock—helping with feeding, bathing, mobility, and daily care. After losing their apartment in Newbury, Marika and her fiancé had to move in with her parents in Luton. The family’s entire life revolved around her treatment, arranging transportation to hospitals, and fighting for her health.

The commute to her treatments took up to several hours a day. Every radiation therapy session, consultation, and examination required enormous physical and mental effort. The cancer also had a profound impact on Marika’s mental well-being. Changes in her appearance, hair loss, damage to her facial bones, and speech difficulties robbed her of her self-confidence and peace of mind.

He dreams of getting at least part of his old life back

Before her illness, Sylwia found solace in music and spending time with animals. Today, most of her daily life revolves around treatment, doctor’s appointments, and taking care of her body, which is once again fighting cancer.

The funds raised will be used for medication, medical nutrition, transportation to medical tests and specialist appointments, and daily support related to her treatment and recovery. Please support Sylwia. She has already shown once that she can fight cancer with tremendous strength. Let’s help her go through this journey once again and regain hope for a peaceful life without constant fear of tomorrow.