Acute lymphoblastic leukemia❗9-year-old Wojtek has begun life-saving treatment❗

Sudden pain

That morning, Wojtek woke up before everyone else. He complained of severe knee pain. After taking a painkiller, he fell asleep again and slept for several more hours. No one suspected at the time that these symptoms might be a sign of a serious illness.

It was Sunday. The family was getting ready to go to church for a Mass in memory of Wojtek’s great-grandmother, on the eighth anniversary of her death. Before they left the house, however , the boy began complaining of a headache and stomachache. Painkillers offered no relief, and the symptoms persisted. Wojtek spent the rest of the day in bed, hoping the pain would soon subside. At first, his parents thought it was the onset of a common infection. However, their intuition told them it was worth consulting a doctor.

Disturbing research results

That very evening, Dad took Wojtek to the hospital. The doctors’ initial suspicion was meningitis. Further tests began, and hours of tension followed. During these tests, the doctors noticed alarming changes in the brain and fluid buildup in the knee. Time suddenly sped up. A decision was made to urgently transport Wojtek to the “Przylądek Nadziei” Pediatric Oncology Clinic in Wrocław.

After a series of thorough tests, the diagnosis was made: acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL-B). In an instant, the family’s world came to a standstill, and their daily lives were consumed by fear for their child’s life.

Start of treatment

Today , Wojtek is staying at “Cape of Hope.” He has already completed his second round of chemotherapy, not counting the treatment he received earlier during his bone marrow biopsy. This is just the beginning of a treatment that requires time, immense patience, and strength. Every day brings new challenges. Life in the hospital means being separated from home, his friends, and his beloved dog. The world Wojtek knew has suddenly taken on a completely different hue.

Wojtek’s parents take turns staying by his side. Mom and Dad take turns caring for their son, spending entire weeks with him in the hospital. During this time, Dad is on medical leave so he can be with Wojtek and support the family at the same time.

Family in separation

Wojtek’s younger sister, Pola, stayed at home. Their grandmother looks after her because their father works shifts and isn’t always able to take care of his daughter. Sometimes he has to leave for work very early in the morning or doesn’t return until after his night shift.

Pola is still too young to fully understand what is happening to her brother. What she feels most is the sense of separation. She misses her mom, Wojtek, and the days that, until recently, made up a peaceful, ordinary everyday life. For the whole family, this is a time of intense emotions and uncertainty.