For Roman: Every Moment Matters

Roman, at just 5 years old, is having to fight a battle no child should ever have to face.

Back in February, Roman was diagnosed with a brain tumour, which the family later learned was a Grade 4 brain cancer known as Medulloblastoma. Since then, Roman and his family have faced months filled with fear, uncertainty, hospital stays, surgeries, emergencies, and intensive treatment.

In just a short space of time, Roman has already undergone 5 surgeries — including two major brain surgeries to remove as much of the tumour as possible, emergency surgery to have a drain fitted due to fluid build-up on the brain, and an emergency trip to Great Ormond Street Hospital to have a shunt fitted due to substantial hydrocephalus. He also now has a Hickman line fitted in preparation for ongoing treatment.

Since his surgeries, Roman has developed seventh nerve palsy affecting his left side. He also has an NG tube to help with feeding, medications, and maintaining his weight, and has had to undergo repeated scans, blood tests, emergency interventions, and countless hospital appointments.

After weeks away from home, Roman is due to complete 6 weeks of proton beam therapy in London this week. The bravery and strength he has shown throughout all of this just goes to show how incredibly resilient he is. An absolute little champ.

But this is only the beginning of Roman’s journey.

After a few weeks of recovery at home, Roman will begin chemotherapy, alongside physiotherapy and countless more hospital visits, as doctors continue doing everything they can to help Roman fight this heartbreaking cancer.

You’ll see in the photos above Roman’s Beads of Courage bracelet. Every single bead represents something he has gone through since this journey began — surgeries, scans, blood draws, emergencies, treatments, appointments, and procedures. Each bead carries its own meaning, its own story, and its own moment of bravery… and heartbreakingly, these are only the beginning.

Despite the heartbreak and uncertainty, Roman continues to smile, fight, and show incredible courage every single day.

We are raising funds to help support Roman through the difficult months and years ahead. This could include specialist equipment, adaptations, therapies, travel for treatment, and helping provide him with the best care, comfort, and quality of life possible throughout this journey, whilst also easing some of the enormous financial pressure that comes with caring for a child with complex medical needs.

Every contribution, no matter the size, truly makes a difference.

Thank you for standing with Roman and his family.