Cliff, my brother’s adorable 2 year old son, was diagnosed with Stage IV Wilms Tumor, a rare childhood kidney cancer, less than two weeks before his 2nd birthday. Cliffie is my first and only nephew, my godson, and the first and only grandchild in my small family of my mom, my brother and I (before he married his lovely wife). Cliff is currently battling the same childhood cancer my brother fought 30 years ago, also less than 2 weeks before he turned 2.

Given my brother’s medical history this nightmare may seem like it was avoidable and that’s because it was. My brother and his wife are the most nurturing, caring, loving, and cautious of parents - their common goal was to one day become parents and have a family of their own. When Cliff was born, their dream came true and they were blessed with a happy, handsome, and healthy boy with a full head of hair. Cliff’s birth was a miracle in itself since we did not think my brother would be able to have children due to radiation exposure and chemotherapy during his battle with cancer 30 years ago.

During Cliff's first doctor’s visit my brother and his wife both informed Cliff's pediatric doctor of my brother’s medical history, noting that childhood cancer was their primary and deepest concern - the doctor did not call for an ultrasound or bloodwork. Cliff’s belly began to grow large and firm. My brother and his wife expressed serious concerns to Cliff's pediatric doctor during multiple visits - once again, the doctor did not call for an ultrasound or bloodwork. My brother and his wife noticed issues with Cliff’s eyes and breathing. His innie belly button was now protruding and a bump appeared near his navel. Cliff had to see three doctors and go through numerous doctor visits before the red flag was raised and he was able to receive a script for an ultrasound. Within 24 hours of seeing the third doctor, Cliff had gotten his ultrasound, the stage IV tumor was found, Cliff was in surgery, and everyone’s nightmare had become a reality.

Cliff’s tumor had grown to 3/4 the size of his stomach forcing the doctors to perform emergency surgery to remove it along with his left kidney just as they did with my brother 30 years ago. Unlike my brother, Cliff’s cancer has spread to his lungs causing him to be put in a medically induced coma and life-supporting ventilator following his surgery. During this time, additional test results revealed that Cliff had a stroke (likely due to low oxygenation from the cancer in his lungs) that resulted in damage to the portion of his brain responsible for balance and speech which explains Cliff’s declining developments in speech.

Cliff spent two weeks in and out of a medically induced coma unable to breathe on his own, dependent on a ventilator and heavy pain medication which my brother and his wife witnessed him experience withdrawal from. Cliff was and currently is on a feeding tube, but he is becoming aware, conscious, and himself again. Cliff has started his chemo and will be going through chemo for 30 weeks which we know will come with its own challenges. Now that the initial shock has dissipated and the dust has begun to settle, the reality has set in and the pieces that must be put together have become visible.

Every wonderful doctor who has seen Cliff since his diagnosis has been appalled and said that this never should have happened. Cliff is now on the road to recovery, but has a long road of chemo ahead of him. My family also has a long road ahead of them. My mother experienced this nightmare with her son and is now experiencing it again with her grandson; she has asked herself, “How can history repeat this tragic event again?” My brother and his wife have been living at the hospital and plan to continue staying there until the hospital no longer allows it. My brother and his wife have a long battle ahead of them not only emotionally, but financially as well trying to accommodate all of Cliff’s special needs and care. My mother and I will provide as much as we can during this time, but I’m asking you to help too.

When my brother told me that he had named his son Cliff, he lovingly joked that it was the closest name he could get to Tiff. I haven’t been able to hear Cliff say my name yet, but I’m planning to do everything I can to make sure one day I get to hear him say “Aunt Tiff.” Please support my family during Cliff’s fight against cancer; a cancer that should have been detected before ever progressing to this point. Thank you everyone for any and all consideration and support during this difficult time.

My brother, Troy Szeles, Jr., is the beneficiary of this fundraising campaign. All funds raised will go to him and will be used for housing in a safe environment near the hospital Cliff that is receiving treatments at, all travel costs associated with getting Cliff to his treatments, all medical costs associated with Cliff's treatment including but not limited to medication, medical bills, food, etc., and all unforeseen costs associated with caring for Cliff during my brother's leave from work in order to care for Cliff.

As mentioned in Update 1:

I would like to start by saying I cannot express my gratitude and thanks from the bottom of my heart to each and every person who so kindly and selflessly donated and allowed us to reach our first goal in less than 24 hours. My brother, Troy, and his wife, Kim, are so overwhelmed and beyond touched by all of the support, love, and most importantly, genuine concern for Cliff. My family and I received so many inquiries about Cliff’s current status and health, so I would like to share his timeline with all of you and let everyone know he is kicking cancer’s butt.

The first picture below is Cliff today (July 11, 2021) post-sponge bath. He is a little balder, but certainly just as handsome as before.


Here is Cliff cruising through the hospital hallways with his Papa this weekend.


Cliff has spent the past two months (since May 20) in the hospital. This week, Cliff started his fourth cycle of chemo and will be continuing his chemo for an undefined period of time (originally anticipated to be 30 weeks). Cliff continues to get stronger every day and eventually will be sent home from the hospital and return regularly for his chemo treatments. Cliff returning “home” is approaching soon and is the current challenge my family is facing - Cliff’s home environment must be void of any and all hazards including pets, house plants, and even produce. With all of your help and support, we will be able to make this difficult task possible. Continued prayers and sharing of his story at this time is greatly appreciated.


As promised, I would like to share more of Cliff’s story by starting with a photo of my brother at Cliff’s age after his kidney and tumor removal surgery 30 years ago.


Almost exactly 30 years later on May 20, 2021 Cliff finally received an ultrasound and his Stage IV Wilms Tumor was found.


May 21, 2021, cancer also found in Cliff’s lungs. Cliff goes in for surgery to remove his tumor along with his kidney. Cliff put on ventilator and remains in an induced coma for the next two weeks.


May 24, 2021, MRI results reveal Cliff suffered a stroke and has infarctions (damage) on the back of his brain at the region responsible for speech and balance.

May 28, 2021, official diagnosis confirms Stage IV Wilms tumor, the same as Troy. Cliff starts chemo during medically induced coma while on ventilator.


May 31, 2021, Cliff’s second birthday.

June 4, 2021, Cliff taken off ventilator and taken out of induced coma.

June 8, 2021, Cliff’s first smiles.


June 9, 2021, oxygen tube removed from Cliff’s nose. Cliff gets to eats applesauce.

June 11, 2021, Cliff’s first steps after entering the hospital.




June 12, 2021, Cliff transferred from PICU to hemoncology/oncology.

June 18, 2021, Cliff completes his first three rounds of chemo.


June 18-June 30 2021, Cliff spends two weeks rebuilding his immune system and is under close medical watch after getting fever and contracting C diff.


July 1, 2021, scans show that Cliff’s cancer is responding well to chemo treatments showing overall reduction in cancer cells. Cliff gets platelet transfusion and cookies.



July 9, 2021, Cliff starts fourth chemo treatment. And is able to eat his favorite foods again.


Today, Cliff continues fighting with a smile on his face.