Help Mikolaj fight AML and MDS cancer

We were very hesitant about publishing news about Mikolaj's cancer, after all it's the toughest time in our lives. But doctors, parents of children in the same situation and and many friends have been persuading us to do so for a long time. We want to appeal to the widest possible audience, so our story can help in Mikolaj's fight against cancer but also potentially save other lives.

 

In the middle of summer, August 2021, Mikolaj was taken to A&E after a minor injury. Two hours later, he was already given blood transfusion, and the next morning he was on his way to Oncology Department and Children's Hematology of the University Hospital in Wroclaw, Poland (Przyladek Nadziei - Cape of Hope, Wroclaw - www.przyladeknadziei.pl ) Initial diagnosis was an hour later - bone marrow cancer!

 

In about 12 hours, a life of an amazing 4 year old full of swimming lessons, holiday plans, bike riding and everything else that's fun was crushed. Our family's plans have turned upside down, into a hope of survival.

 

Initially, there were problems with accurately diagnosing Mikolaj. The first chemotherapy was given despite the lack of certainty as to the genetics of the disease. Ultimately, he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

This combination is extremely rare in children and complicates the treatment, which will most likely result in a difficult transplant from an unrelated donor.

 

It is extremely hard to look at a child's disease and treatment, let alone describe it. Intensive chemotherapy, lots of antibiotics, punctures, catheter, biopsies, transfusions are the sad and painful everyday life of all the patients.

However, we are focusing on good days, moments of smiles and pain relief.

 

Mikolaj has already finished his second chemotherapy cycle and is getting ready to start the third one this coming week (November 2021). He will face long treatment and rehabilitation.

 

 

The full amount will be donated to his account in the fundraising page "NA RATUNEK" (in Poland) which will be used for non-refundable medication, medical equipment, rehabilitation, consultations with doctors, mental support,  support during recovery of transplant. 

Details of the foundation are below:

https://naratunek.org/

- If you wish - you can pay directly to the foundation with reference "MIKOLAJ SIOCH" in your payment.
- Any excess money will be donated to the foundation for other children in the hospital.

We are extremely grateful for every penny and support!

 

PLEASE REGISTER AS A STEM CELL DONOR

It does not cost anything, and can save a life.

 

Bone marrow transplant is often the only curable treatment for people suffering from blood cancers.

The larger the donor base, the greater the likelihood of an appropriate donor, and this is crucial for the success of this really difficult but effective method of treatment.

In 90% of cases, stem cells are collected peripherally (apheresis). This involves taking stem cells directly from the bloodstream. You’ll be able to have this done as an outpatient and it does not require surgery.

 

DKMS is a worldwide database website for stem cell donors and is extremely easy to register as a donor!

 

For more info please go to:

https://www.dkms.org.uk/