It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Róża…

The first symptoms of the disease

In early March, my daughter Róża started experiencing severe headaches. I also noticed that she needed more sleep than usual, so I thought she might just be overtired. When, shortly thereafter, she began having significant difficulty maintaining her balance, I knew something was seriously wrong.

After examining and observing my daughter, the doctor ordered an urgent referral for a head MRI. I waited for the results, hoping that it certainly wasn’t anything serious, that we’d be going home soon, and that everything would go back to normal.

The diagnosis, however, came quickly: a stage IV malignant brain tumor.

Second diagnosis

The doctors knew that every moment counted; everything was happening very quickly. More tests, discussions, decisions. On March 13, Róża underwent surgery to remove the tumor.

I remember those hours I spent with Róża’s mom outside the operating room, waiting for news from the doctors, as if it were yesterday. Those were the hardest and longest moments of our lives. Our fear for our own child was overwhelming.

After the surgery, we received another devastating diagnosis: the cancer had metastasized.

A difficult reality

Every day, Róża fights a very difficult battle for her health. Today she is undergoing chemotherapy, which has severely weakened her young body. Some days are better than others, but despite the fatigue and pain, our little girl tries to smile.

She is about to begin the next phase of her treatment: radiation therapy. This is a very difficult time for the whole family.

Family

Róża’s mom and I take turns being with her, trying to give her as much attention and support as possible every day. We share the care. Two weeks with Róża’s mom, two weeks with me. We do this so that Róża always has someone close to her. During this difficult time, we’re learning to live in the rhythm of the hospital, treatment, and constant care for our child.

And then there’s Róża’s twin sister. The girls have always been inseparable. They grew up together, explored the world together, and loved nothing more than spending every moment playing together.

Today, they are finding it very difficult to cope with the separation caused by his illness and treatment. They miss each other every day.

Childlike carefreeness

Before her diagnosis, Róża loved nothing more than simple, carefree childhood moments: playing outdoors, running endlessly, and exploring the world without a care in the world. Horses held a special place in her heart; she would watch them with wonder and could talk about them endlessly.

Request for support

Today, we are reaching out to you with a heartfelt request for your support. Treating Róża involves not only the hospital, chemotherapy, and the next stages of treatment, but also the daily logistics that have become our second life.

Frequent trips to the hospital mean additional expenses that become increasingly difficult to bear over time. Every bit of support brings us real relief and allows us to focus on what matters most: our daughter’s health.