Help Save Wiktor: Urgent Cancer Treatment Needed

My name is Joanna Parker, and I’m originally from Poland. A very close friend of my family is in desperate need of cancer medication. Please see below a note from his dad.

Help Save Wiktor: A 16-Year-Old Fighting an Aggressive Cancer

Wiktor, my 16-year-old son, is battling an incredibly aggressive cancer—Burkitt’s lymphoma, resistant to chemotherapy. Recently, we were hit with the heartbreaking news: “It’s over, there’s no more treatment available for your son.” But now, a glimmer of hope has appeared, and as his father, I couldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t fight for it. I’m pleading for your help—without you, we cannot afford this life-saving treatment.

Our world collapsed suddenly and unexpectedly. It all began with what seemed like a minor issue: stomach pain. Over-the-counter medications didn’t help, and the pain intensified, accompanied by night sweats and fever. We rushed to the ER, where Wiktor was given painkillers and anti-nausea meds.

The relief was temporary. Just days later, we returned to the hospital, and this time, we were admitted. Additional tests revealed alarming findings, and an emergency surgery was performed to remove a peri-appendiceal abscess. Initially, doctors suspected Crohn’s disease due to visible intestinal tumors and narrowing. A second surgery was needed to collect samples for further testing.

The biopsy results shattered our lives: a malignant tumor, Burkitt’s lymphoma, stage IV—one of the most aggressive cancers. On May 10th, Wiktor was admitted to oncology.

It was unimaginable. A vibrant 15-year-old, full of life, diagnosed with a deadly disease? He had no prior health issues. We were terrified, and the devastating updates kept coming. Scans showed eight large tumors, affecting his bladder, intestines, and gluteal muscle. And then we learned the worst—Wiktor’s cancer was chemotherapy-resistant.

Wiktor started treatment immediately, undergoing four chemotherapy cycles and two maintenance cycles. Despite our hopes, remission was never achieved. Tumors would shrink, only to regrow at an alarming rate. By November, we were desperate. A promising clinical drug trial in France offered hope, but the Polish healthcare system denied funding. We felt helpless, as though our child’s life was slipping away. Over the holidays, yet another round of tumors began to grow despite stronger chemotherapy.

We feared the end was near. Then, a faint light appeared in the darkness. Wiktor’s incredible doctors managed to secure the experimental drug from France, and he began treatment this week. We know this is only a temporary solution to sustain his life.

Determined to leave no stone unturned, we searched the globe for other options. That’s when we learned of a groundbreaking therapy in Israel, not yet available in Europe. The treatment costs an unimaginable amount—approximately €300,000—but how can we not try? This is the price of our son’s life.

I stay by Wiktor’s side in the hospital, while my wife cares for his five siblings at home. They miss him dearly and share our overwhelming fear of what’s to come. Despite everything, Wiktor shows extraordinary courage. At just 16 years old, he faces death with resilience and strength. He understands the stakes and knows what will happen if we cannot afford this treatment. I don’t know how he endures it all.

The cancer is so aggressive that the size of the tumors visibly changes within a day. We are out of time—this is critically urgent.

From the depths of my heart, on behalf of my wife, our family, and especially Wiktor, I am begging for your help. Please help us save our son. Your support can give him a chance to live.

With hope and gratitude,

Marcin Sioch