"Ksawery’s Fight: Battling Recurring Cancer with Courage and Hope".2001
Ksawery’s Struggle: A Family’s Fight Against Recurring Cancer
For Ksawery Zaremba and his family, the past months have been a rollercoaster of hope, fear, and heartbreak. What began as a period of cautious optimism after initial treatment was abruptly shattered by the arrival of devastating news—cancer, once again, had returned.
The MRI That Changed Everything
On November 27, Ksawery underwent a critical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to monitor the progress of his illness. The result, received the same day, was devastating. His mother recalls the moment with vivid clarity: fragments of information reached her, but the words of the doctor echoed in her mind, repeating like a nightmare:
"Unfortunately, I have bad news—it’s serious. The tumor has struck again, new lesions have appeared, and previous ones have grown."
The diagnosis was sobering. The disease was now affecting the midbrain and regions surrounding the brainstem
Planning the Next Step
Following the MRI, the medical team discussed Ksawery’s case and decided to continue biological therapy for another three months. The hope was that this round of medication would be stronger than the cancer, capable of suppressing its aggressive growth and giving Ksawery a chance to regain strength.
Despite the harshness of his condition, Ksawery adapted relatively well to the treatment. He tolerated his tablets, and there were days when he felt almost normal, interspersed with more challenging days. For nearly a month, the family was able to remain at home, surrounded by their closest loved ones. These moments, however brief, brought small comforts in a life dominated by illness.
Holiday Struggles
As the holiday season approached, Ksawery’s health began to decline again. He grew weaker by the hour, experiencing vomiting, loss of appetite, and an absence of thirst. Every attempt to nourish him became a struggle. The vibrant, curious child who had once enjoyed play and exploration was now confined to a bed, grappling with basic survival.
During the holidays, Ksawery spent most of his time in bed, battling thick phlegm that obstructed his throat, making breathing and swallowing difficult. Every sip of water and every spoonful of broth became a triumph over adversity. His parents, exhausted yet unwavering, fought alongside him, determined to keep him nourished and strong despite the relentless challenges.
The Hospitalization in January
On January 11, Ksawery’s condition worsened, and the family had no choice but to rush him to the hospital. He was admitted with severe symptoms
At the hospital, Ksawery received pain relief and anti-nausea medications to manage his discomfort. His care team closely monitored him for complications, balancing the need for symptom relief with careful oversight to avoid further harm.
Diagnosing Sinusitis
Further diagnostic imaging and tests revealed a new complication: sinusitis, which was contributing to Ksawery’s symptoms. He was immediately started on antibiotic therapy to treat the infection, adding another layer to an already complex medical regimen. The family had to adjust again, balancing cancer treatment, infection management, and supportive care to ensure Ksawery’s well-being.
Emotional Toll on the Family
The recurring illness and repeated hospitalizations have taken an immense emotional toll on Ksawery’s family. His mother shares the fear, uncertainty, and exhaustion that accompany each new setback. The struggle to maintain hope while witnessing their child suffer is profoundly taxing. Every symptom, every test, every piece of news can trigger waves of panic and despair.
Despite the fear, the family draws strength from their unwavering love for Ksawery and from the moments when he shows resilience. His courage, even in the face of pain and weakness, inspires those around him. Small victories—such as drinking a few sips of water, smiling briefly, or tolerating medication—become monumental achievements, reminders that life and hope persist even in the darkest moments.
Looking Ahead
The family now faces continued treatment and ongoing monitoring. Additional medical tests are scheduled, including routine MRIs and blood work, to track the tumor’s progression and adjust therapy as needed. They hope that the next treatment cycle will provide relief and that Ksawery can regain some stability.
The family’s daily life revolves around careful planning, strict adherence to medical instructions, and providing emotional support. They also have to manage household responsibilities, creating a delicate balance between caregiving and maintaining a semblance of normalcy for the rest of the family.
A Call for Support
Ksawery’s parents openly acknowledge the severity of their situation and the need for external support. Fighting cancer in a young child is exhausting, emotionally draining, and financially demanding. They appeal to the community for prayers, emotional support, and practical assistance to sustain their fight.
Every gesture of kindness—whether it’s a message of encouragement, a donation, or simply keeping Ksawery in your thoughts—helps the family navigate the immense challenges ahead. The fight against childhood cancer is not one they can endure alone, and community support provides essential strength and hope.
The Importance of Hope
Through the ongoing battle, hope remains a central pillar for Ksawery and his family. They focus on small victories, daily improvements, and the moments when he can experience a brief respite from pain. These glimpses of normalcy—smiling, interacting, or tolerating his treatment—remind them why every effort, every intervention, every prayer matters.
The family dreams of a future where Ksawery can experience a childhood filled with joy, play, and learning, rather than one dominated by hospital visits and medical procedures. Every therapy session, medication, and moment of care is a step toward that goal.
Closing
Ksawery’s story is one of courage, perseverance, and the unwavering love of a family committed to giving him the best possible chance at life. From the MRI that revealed recurrence to the struggles with infection, nausea, and pain, each day is a testament to his resilience.
💛 Please keep Ksawery and his family in your thoughts, prayers, and support. Every word of encouragement, every act of kindness, and every contribution helps provide him with care, hope, and the chance to reclaim a childhood that illness has threatened to take.
This is a story of struggle and survival, of the fear and hope that coexist when a child battles cancer. It is a call to action to stand with Ksawery, to support him in his fight, and to help his family navigate one of the most difficult journeys imaginable.
He Is Only Two, Yet Cancer Has Returned: Help Miłosz Win This Fight.2158
Miłosz’s Battle Against Cancer – A Story No Parent Should Have to Tell
When we first heard the word cancer spoken in connection with our little boy, our world collapsed. Nothing can prepare a parent for that moment—the feeling of having the ground pulled out from beneath your feet, of being thrown into a nightmare you cannot wake up from. From that day forward, every thought, every breath, every ounce of energy has been dedicated to saving our son.
We thought the worst was behind us. We thought we had fought and won. But now, at only two years old, our little Miłosz is facing this monster for the second time. And we, as his parents, are asking for help in the most difficult battle of our lives.
The First Diagnosis – September 2023
Miłosz was just 5 and a half months old when doctors discovered a tumor on his kidney. It was a moment that forever divided our lives into “before” and “after.”
It happened almost by accident. We had taken our baby boy to the clinic for what was supposed to be a routine vaccination. The doctor, while examining him, noticed that his abdomen seemed unusually firm on the right side. She advised us to do an ultrasound, “just to be safe.” We thought little of it at the time. After all, how could our seemingly healthy, smiling baby boy have something seriously wrong?
But the ultrasound changed everything. A massive tumor was found on Miłosz’s right kidney—9 centimeters in size. For such a tiny child, the news was overwhelming. Within hours we were rushed to the University Clinical Center in Gdańsk. The doctors explained that the tumor was too big and too aggressive to wait. Miłosz was too small to begin chemotherapy right away, so the only option was surgery.
In September 2023, at not even six months old, our son underwent a major operation. The surgeons removed his right kidney along with the tumor. He spent several days in intensive care. We hovered at his bedside, watching the machines beep and the tubes snake around his fragile body, whispering desperate prayers. We begged for someone to wake us from this nightmare.
The First Round of Chemotherapy
After surgery, Miłosz had a central venous catheter implanted so he could begin postoperative chemotherapy. We started making weekly trips to the hospital. Ten cycles of chemotherapy were planned. Each cycle was a battle in itself—days of nausea, weakness, tears, and endless waiting.
We watched our little boy endure things no child should ever go through. The drugs made him tired and pale, sometimes too weak to play, sometimes too sick to eat. But he kept fighting, and so did we. As parents, we did everything we could—staying by his side, comforting him, and clinging to the hope that this would all be behind us soon.
At the end of treatment, we thought we had won. We dared to dream again. In September, Miłosz even started going to daycare. We allowed ourselves to believe that our little boy would now get the chance to have a normal childhood, filled with laughter, games, and discovery.
The Relapse – December 2024
But our happiness was short-lived. Life had another cruel twist in store.
On December 30, 2024, we went for a routine check-up at the oncology clinic. We expected reassurance, perhaps even the words “all clear.” Instead, the ultrasound revealed something we could hardly process: another tumor, this time on his left kidney. Four centimeters. The cancer was back.
The world shattered all over again. How could this be happening? How could our little boy—who had already been through so much—have to face this battle again? We were devastated. We cried, we screamed, we clung to each other. But as parents, we knew we had no choice but to keep going. We had to fight again.
The Second Battle – January 2025
Everything began anew. Miłosz was admitted back to oncology. A new central catheter was implanted, and on January 9, 2025, he received his first round of chemotherapy for the relapse.
Six cycles are planned. What happens next will depend on how he responds. The doctors will decide on further treatment, which may include more surgery, more chemotherapy, or even more advanced interventions. For now, every day is filled with uncertainty.
We don’t know what the future holds. What we do know is that we will do everything in our power to save him. But the truth is—we cannot do it alone.
The Emotional and Financial Strain
This battle has taken everything from us. Emotionally, we are drained. Each hospital stay feels like an eternity, each test result like a verdict hanging over us. Nights are spent sleepless, listening to the sound of machines or waiting for fevers to subside. Our home is filled with medications, sterile dressings, and the constant reminder that our child is sick.
Financially, the burden is crushing. The costs of medication, travel to the hospital, special nutrition, and countless other expenses are overwhelming. Our household budget has been stretched to breaking point. And yet, the fight is far from over.
We need to be ready for anything—for new treatments, for unexpected complications, for whatever this cruel disease throws at us next.
A Plea for Help
Today, Miłosz is only two years old, and yet he has already endured more than many adults face in a lifetime. He has fought bravely through surgeries, chemotherapy, pain, and exhaustion. He is a warrior in the truest sense of the word—but he is still just a child.
We, his parents, are doing everything we can. But we cannot carry this burden alone. That is why we are reaching out to you, asking for help.
Every donation, every gesture of support, every kind word brings us closer to giving our son a chance at life. A chance to grow up, to play, to go to school, to laugh freely without the shadow of cancer looming over him.
From the bottom of our hearts, we ask you: please help us save Miłosz. Together, we can give him the future he deserves.
