Life stories 25/10/2025 22:05

Fighting for Wojtek: A 14-Year-Old’s Battle Against Cancer

We never imagined that our lives could change in an instant. One ordinary day, our son Wojtek, nearly 14 years old, was at a Scout meeting, radiating energy, laughter, and joy. The next day, our world was turned upside down when he suddenly developed facial paralysis. The fear, confusion, and helplessness we felt in those first moments were overwhelming, almost impossible to put into words. Rushing him to the hospital, we hoped for reassurance—but the doctors’ words, “generally good,” offered little comfort and left us grasping for answers.

Determined to understand what was happening, we refused to accept uncertainty. Following the advice of an ENT specialist, we returned to the emergency room, suspecting an acute ear infection might be the cause. Over the following two months, Wojtek underwent three ear surgeries and endured multiple rounds of antibiotics, none of which brought relief. Each day was filled with anxious waiting for histopathological results, fearing the worst while clinging desperately to hope.

Then came the diagnosis that shattered our world: Wojtek had a malignant tumor in his head—rhabdomyosarcoma. That single moment marked the beginning of a fight we had never imagined facing, a fight that made us realize just how fragile, fleeting, and precious life truly is.

On September 4th, Wojtek was admitted to the oncology ward. The emotional toll was immense, especially for a boy who had been counting down the days to Scout camp, an event he had dreamed about for an entire year. Instead of sunny summer days spent outdoors with friends and Scout uniforms, his summer was confined to a hospital bed, where doctors inserted a central port to administer chemotherapy. Day after day, he endured a grueling schedule of treatments—chemotherapy, surgeries, antibiotics, steroids, injections, and medications—all in just three short months. His once-vibrant body began to weaken under the strain, developing secondary sideroblastic anemia and agranulocytosis. Watching him suffer has been heartbreaking and soul-wrenching for our entire family.

Despite everything, Wojtek’s strength and resilience have been extraordinary. He has a generous heart, a sharp sense of humor, and a calm, positive energy that uplifts everyone around him. Even now, in the midst of his illness, he asks when he can return to volunteering with Caritas, collecting donations at train stations—a role he has embraced for two years, dedicating himself to helping others in need. His commitment to the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association (ZHP) has been a central part of his life. From a very young age, he has been a devoted Scout and even served as a patrol leader for a year. These qualities—courage, kindness, determination—are his weapons in the ongoing battle against cancer, and they inspire all who know him.

We have sought guidance from numerous specialists, and Wojtek’s best chance of recovery now lies in a specialized clinic in Germany. There, a comprehensive treatment plan will not only strengthen his body but also stimulate and regenerate his immune system. The clinic will collect Wojtek’s blood to create a personalized vaccine designed to help his body fight the cancer cells—a treatment that is not available anywhere else. This advanced therapy gives him a real chance at a future beyond the hospital walls.

However, this hope comes with an overwhelming financial burden. The funds required cover not only the specialized treatment in Germany but also ongoing care in Poland, travel expenses, laboratory tests, and other essential costs. These expenses are far beyond our family’s means, yet every contribution brings Wojtek closer to the life he deserves—a life where he can laugh freely, play with his siblings, and return to the Scout community that has been his second family.

Our family revolves around our four children, and Wojtek is irreplaceable in that world. We cannot imagine life without him by our side. We dream of the day when he can come home, healthy and free from illness, to embrace his siblings, enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood, and reclaim the life that has been stolen from him. That future, however, can only become a reality with your help.

Every donation, every share of this campaign, every message of support matters deeply. Your generosity brings Wojtek closer to a world where cancer no longer defines his days. It gives him a chance to continue being the compassionate, kind-hearted boy who has always thought of others first. It gives our family hope and strengthens our belief that, together, we can overcome this challenge.

Wojtek has faced unimaginable challenges in such a short time, yet his spirit remains unbroken. He is more than a patient—he is a source of inspiration. His courage, determination, and unwavering kindness remind us all of the remarkable strength of the human heart, even in the face of adversity that would overwhelm most adults.

We are asking you to join us in this fight. Help Wojtek regain his health, return home to his family, and continue living the childhood he deserves. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings him one step closer to recovery. Together, we can give Wojtek the chance to walk out of the hospital and back into the life he has been dreaming of—a life full of laughter, play, love, and hope.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Wojciech Wawreeczko and Family

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