GLIOMA! Our 8-year-old daughter Emilia is battling brain cancer!

The first symptoms of the disease

It all began in September 2022. My daughter was having gastrointestinal problems that initially seemed like a common infection. However, her condition worsened with each passing day. A week later, her eyes began to bulge, and she was no longer able to walk or stand up on her own.

A flurry of tests and consultations began. Imaging tests revealed changes in the brain. In December 2022, a partial tumor resection and a biopsy were performed at a hospital in Szczecin.

We didn’t have to wait long for the diagnosis. A glioblastoma located at the optic chiasm. In an instant, our lives changed completely.

Second surgery

Over the next few years, Emilia bravely battled her illness, undergoing intensive cancer treatment. Unfortunately, despite the doctors’ best efforts, the glioma caused her to lose her sight.

In May 2025, she underwent another surgery: the removal of part of the tumor and the drainage of cysts that were compressing brain structures. Although the procedure was necessary, it left her with further challenges. Emilia is struggling with spasticity in her left arm and leg.

Treatment and rehabilitation

Today, our lives are a constant struggle to ensure Emilia’s health and future. We are currently receiving treatment at the University Clinical Center in Gdańsk, where our daughter is undergoing biological therapy. Every two weeks, we travel many kilometers from Szczecin to Gdańsk so she can receive her next infusion and consult with specialists.

Emilia is participating in intensive neurological rehabilitation, vision therapy, classes for the blind, hippotherapy, and exercises designed to promote brain neuroplasticity.

Moments of joy

Despite the enormous difficulties, she hasn't lost her joy. Horses have become her great passion. Equine therapy not only supports her development but also brings her peace, motivation, and happiness.

Emilia is also very musically talented. It is music that helps her express her emotions and gives her the strength to keep fighting. After her vision rehabilitation and the start of a new treatment, we began to see the first glimmers of hope. Emilia is starting to see light again and can recognize colors. To many people, these are small things; to us, they are true miracles.

Support

I haven’t been working for several years. I devote all my time to my daughter, her treatment, and her rehabilitation. I’m constantly learning new things and attending training sessions so that I can best support her development and make the most of every opportunity for improvement.

Our dream is to stop the disease. We are fighting to ensure that Emilia regains as much independence as possible and can enjoy her childhood despite all the challenges. It is a long, difficult, and very costly journey. That is why we are asking for your support with all our hearts. Every bit of help gives Emilia a chance to make further progress and have a better future.