When Franek Goska reached the age of three, his life was meant to be filled with joy, exploration, and the pure delights of childhood. He was surrounded by a caring family—dedicated parents and a younger sister who cherished him. Their home was filled with laughter, toys, and bedtime stories. No one could have foreseen that behind his gentle smile, a grave illness was developing.
Everything shifted on April 30, 2024. That day marked the moment the term “cancer” entered their lives—a term that would alter everything forever.
When Common Symptoms Conceal the Unimaginable
Initially, there was nothing out of the ordinary. Franek frequently caught colds, just like any other preschooler. He mentioned stomach pains, sometimes turned down food, and appeared a bit more fatigued than usual. His parents didn’t worry—after all, children often fall ill. “Frequent colds? That’s typical. Stomach discomfort? Perhaps something he ate. Loss of appetite? He’s just being picky,” his mother recalls.
However, when the discomfort continued, they took him to the primary care physician for an examination. During the check-up, the doctor’s hands suddenly halted on Franek’s small abdomen. There was something there—something that shouldn’t be. A lump.
The family was promptly referred to a hospital in Łódź, where doctors conducted an ultrasound. Nothing could have prepared them for the news that followed: their three-year-old son had a malignant kidney tumor—a type of kidney cancer that had been silently developing within him.
“It felt as if the ground had vanished beneath us,” his father says softly. “We couldn’t comprehend it. How could this happen to our little boy?”
A Fight No Child Should Endure
In a matter of hours, Franek’s life shifted from playgrounds and storybooks to hospital hallways and chemotherapy treatments. The doctors opted to start chemotherapy immediately, aiming to reduce the tumor size and make surgery safer.
However, the treatment was harsh. His small body reacted adversely—nausea, fatigue, relentless pain. And most distressingly, the chemotherapy failed to shrink the tumor. “We watched him endure so much,” his mother says, her voice quivering. “He was incredibly brave, but it was agonizing to witness.”
In June 2024, doctors made the tough choice to proceed with surgery. They would remove the tumor—along with his entire right kidney. For any parent, seeing their child taken into an operating room is a profound agony. “We stood there, holding each other, praying it would be the last time we’d see him like that,” his father recalls.
The surgery was lengthy, but it was successful. The tumor was entirely excised. The relief was indescribable—Franek had pulled through. Yet, the journey to recovery was far from complete.
The Lingering Impact of Cancer
Following the operation, Franek continued to undergo chemotherapy to prevent a recurrence. His small body endured more than most adults could handle. Weeks turned into months filled with hospital visits, tests, and fatigue. Yet, through it all, Franek persisted. “He’s our little warrior,” his mother expresses with pride. “Even when he was exhausted, he tried to smile.”
Today, Franek is no longer receiving active chemotherapy. He is closely monitored at the pediatric oncology and hematology clinic, returning every few weeks for evaluations. Each visit brings a mix of relief and anxiety—relief that the results remain stable, and fear that one day they might not.
Doctors have informed the family that the next five years are critical. Franek’s risk of recurrence is medium, necessitating constant vigilance. Every cough, every fever, every moment of tiredness triggers a wave of fear that the cancer could return.
“Cancer never truly leaves your life,” his mother states. “Even when it’s gone, it lingers—within your thoughts, your worries, your sleepless nights.”
Healing the Body—and the Mind
The battle against cancer didn’t conclude with surgery. It left behind unseen scars. Franek now faces speech delays, developmental challenges, and posture issues stemming from months of illness and inactivity. His therapy schedule is packed—speech therapy, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation sessions—to assist him in regaining his strength and confidence.
“He’s relearning how to run, how to speak clearly, how to feel like a typical child,” his mother explains. “It’s a gradual process, but every small advancement feels miraculous.”
The family is doing everything they can to support his recovery, but the costs of treatment, travel, and rehabilitation are staggering. Hospital visits, therapy expenses, and medical check-ups deplete their savings, leaving little for anything else.
“We’re incredibly proud of how far he’s come,” his father states. “But we’re also frightened—because we know this battle isn’t over. And we can’t do it alone.”
A Call for Assistance—and for Hope
Franek’s parents are now appealing to compassionate individuals for support. Every contribution—no matter how small—directly aids his ongoing care: physical therapy to rebuild his body, speech therapy to help him regain his voice, and regular medical check-ups to ensure the cancer remains at bay.
“This isn’t merely about finances,” his mother emphasizes. “It’s about giving our son a chance to live without fear, to play, to grow, to laugh again. He’s only three years old—he deserves a future.”
Franek’s journey is one of bravery and love, of a family that refuses to surrender. His parents dream of the day they can finally tell him, “You are healthy. You are free.”
Until that day arrives, they will continue to fight—with hope in their hearts, and faith that kindness will guide them through.
Help us safeguard Franek from the return of this cruel disease.
Every donation, every message, every prayer counts. Together, we can ensure that this courageous little boy’s story concludes not in suffering—but in healing, laughter, and the simple joy of childhood.
Because no child should ever have to face cancer alone.
