Piotr is battling a brain tumor❗HELP❗He faces a long treatment process.

From innocent symptoms to life-saving surgery

Occasional headaches – that's where Piotr's struggle began. They would appear after or during basketball training and would go away after taking painkillers. His parents decided to consult a doctor, just to be sure. The pediatrician reassured them that at this age it could be stress, puberty, fatigue, or too much screen time. There was no indication that something was developing in Piotr's body that would soon put the whole family in a fight for his life.
In April, however, the pain began to intensify. His parents made private appointments with a neurologist and an orthopedist and scheduled an MRI. Piotr did not make it to any of them.
On April 28, he was admitted to the Emergency Department at the hospital in Chorzów. After a CT scan, an immediate decision was made to urgently transport him to the Upper Silesian Children's Health Center in Katowice. There, everything happened very quickly.

Life-saving surgery

Two days later, Piotr underwent surgery to remove the brain tumor. The procedure went smoothly, with no neurological complications, and Piotr recovered quickly. For a moment, there was hope that the worst was behind them.
A few days later, the diagnosis came, which took the family's breath away. Medulloblastoma SHH, grade IV according to the WHO. A malignant brain tumor.

Treatment needed

On May 19, Piotr began chemotherapy. It was only the beginning of a long journey. The family spent the entire summer in Krakow, where Piotr underwent proton therapy. Thirty sessions of radiation therapy to the central nervous system, day after day, far from home, school, and normal everyday life.
Piotr has been continuing chemotherapy since September . He is currently undergoing the second cycle of ten planned cycles. The treatment is expected to last until October 2026.
These are months of life subordinated to test results, infusion schedules, and constant vigilance.

The effects of treatment that must be faced

Chemotherapy leaves its mark. Piotr developed hearing problems and reduced muscle tone after vincristine treatment. Rehabilitation, daily exercises at home, a specialized diet, and constant monitoring are necessary.
Thanks to the support of doctors, rehabilitation specialists, and the tremendous determination of his family, many challenges have been overcome. However, the most difficult aspects remain the fear and helplessness that accompany each stage of treatment.

The whole family is sick.

Piotr's mother quit her job to be with her son. Today, the whole family is receiving psychological care, and the parents are also receiving psychiatric support. The child's illness does not end in the oncology ward. It permeates every aspect of life, every conversation, and every night.
The person closest to Piotr is his ten-year-old sister Emilka. They have always been inseparable, best friends and confidants. They share everything that siblings can have that is most beautiful: minor daily quarrels and boundless love. They are a huge support to each other.

Small passions in a big fight

During his illness, Piotr discovered new passions. He became fascinated with model making, which gives him a moment of focus and a sense of agency. He has an excellent sense of smell and a keen interest in scents. Like many teenagers, he loves music and LEGO bricks .
These small elements of everyday life help him get through difficult moments and take his mind off his treatment, at least for a moment.

Support needed

Piotr's treatment is not limited to chemotherapy and proton therapy. It also includes rehabilitation, supplementation, specialized nutrition, and ongoing psychological care for the entire family. These costs are increasing every month and are becoming increasingly difficult to bear without outside help.