Just a few months ago, our son Ignacy was a lively, curious, and energetic boy—someone who would light up the room with his smile and ask endless questions about the world around him. But at the end of May, everything changed. We began to notice that his speech became less clear, his movements clumsier, and he had difficulty walking. One day, Ignacy told his grandfather that he “couldn’t see the toy.” A moment later, his vision returned, but that was enough to send a wave of panic through our hearts. It was the first sign that something was terribly wrong.
We rushed him to the hospital, and an MRI revealed the heartbreaking truth: a brainstem tumor. Our son, just four years old, was diagnosed with divergent brainstem glioma (DIPG)—a rare, inoperable, and incurable tumor. The diagnosis shattered our world and left us reeling with the weight of it all. We were devastated beyond words.
Despite the enormous risks, a biopsy was performed in June to determine the exact nature of the tumor. The results confirmed our worst fears: it was a grade IV brainstem glioma, one of the most aggressive and challenging forms of cancer. It was the hardest blow we could have ever received.
Ignacy began six weeks of radiotherapy, a grueling treatment that brought some temporary improvement. However, the side effects were severe—his body weakened, his movements became even more difficult, and he now faces new disabilities that he bravely battles each day during his rehabilitation.
At the end of September, a follow-up MRI was performed. The tumor in Ignacy’s brainstem had shrunk significantly, offering us a brief flicker of hope. But that hope was short-lived. A disturbing enlargement appeared on his spinal cord dura, and a subsequent MRI confirmed our worst fears. New lesions had appeared along the entire length of his spinal cord and spinal cord dura. Instead of finding respite, we were hit with another crushing blow.
Ignacy had to start a new round of radiation therapy, this time targeting his entire spinal cord. Despite the pain, fatigue, and weakness, Ignacy continues to fight with a strength that astonishes us. Every day, he surprises us with his bravery, his calm, and his will to keep going. It is a fight that no child should ever have to face, but Ignacy does it with courage beyond his years.
Unfortunately, in Poland, there is no effective treatment for children with this diagnosis. The only remaining hope for us is an innovative therapy called CAR-T therapy, which is available abroad. CAR-T is a cutting-edge immunotherapy that reprograms a child’s immune cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. This therapy offers a real chance for Ignacy—a glimmer of hope in the face of a devastating diagnosis. But it comes with a cost. The expenses for CAR-T therapy are enormous, and we simply cannot afford them on our own.
We are asking for your help with all our hearts. The funds we raise will go toward further treatment, additional diagnostics, rehabilitation, specialist support, and preparation for and travel to CAR-T therapy. This therapy is our son’s only chance at life, and we are fighting with everything we have to give him that chance.
Ignacy is only four years old. He should be running around, playing with his friends, and enjoying the simple joys of childhood. Instead, he is in the fight of his life. And we, as his parents, are determined to do everything in our power to help him live, laugh, and say “Mommy” and “Daddy” again. We can’t give up, not now, not when there is still hope.
At home, Ignacy has a younger brother, Kostek, who is too young to understand the gravity of the situation. Kostek can’t speak yet, but he knows his older brother is not the same. Every day, he searches for Ignacy, sitting by his bed, holding his hand, and watching silently as if he senses that his beloved brother needs him now more than ever. Seeing them together is both heartbreaking and beautiful. It reminds us of who we’re fighting for—our sons, our family, and our future.
We are asking for your support in this life-or-death battle. Every donation, no matter how small, is a lifeline for Ignacy. It gives him a chance at life, a chance to fight, a chance to grow up and live the life every child deserves. You are our only hope.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your support, your kindness, and your generosity. Every moment is precious, and with your help, we believe Ignacy can have the future he deserves.
Please help us fight for our son. Please help us give him the chance to live. We cannot do this alone.
To donate, please visit [link to fundraising page]. Every bit helps, and every second counts. Thank you for being our hope.
