In January 2021, a family’s everyday life changed abruptly when their two-year-old daughter, Marcelina, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive kidney cancer. What began as a routine hospital visit for a fever quickly turned into a medical emergency that reshaped the lives of everyone involved.

Marcelina, lovingly called Marcelinka by her family, was admitted to hospital on January 10 after developing a high temperature. Her parents initially believed it was a common childhood illness. Within days, however, doctors delivered devastating news: she had Wilms tumor Grade V, with malignant tumors affecting both kidneys.

“Our world fell apart in a single moment,” her mother recalled. “One day we were a normal, happy family, and the next we were trying to understand words we never imagined hearing about our child.”

Due to the seriousness of her condition, treatment began immediately. Just one week after the diagnosis, Marcelina received her first round of chemotherapy. The family temporarily moved their lives to the hospital, which soon became a second home.

Marcelina is currently under the care of the Department of Paediatrics, Hematology and Oncology at the University Hospital in Bydgoszcz. Over the following months, she underwent eight cycles of chemotherapy. In April, doctors decided surgery was necessary to remove the tumors. As a precaution, a tumor in her lung was also removed to reduce the risk of further complications.

However, the operation revealed that one of Marcelina’s kidneys was more severely affected than expected. As a result, doctors determined that chemotherapy would need to continue until at least June 2022.

The treatment has taken a visible toll on the young child. Her parents say she has become physically weak, has lost her appetite, and often appears exhausted. To support her strength and recovery, she now requires a specialized diet, which has added to the family’s financial strain.

“Everything we do now revolves around protecting her health,” her father explained. “What she eats, how we travel, how we manage each day — nothing is simple anymore.”

The family’s challenges have been compounded by financial hardship. During the pandemic, Marcelina’s father lost his job and now relies on temporary work. Her mother has remained by her daughter’s side since the diagnosis and expects she will soon have to leave her job entirely to provide full-time care.

Despite these difficulties, Marcelina’s parents remain determined. “We cannot give up,” her mother said. “Our daughter is fighting with everything she has, and we must do the same.”

The family is now appealing for support to help cover medical-related expenses, travel to and from the hospital, and the costs of specialized nutrition. They hope that with assistance, they can focus fully on Marcelina’s treatment without the constant fear of financial uncertainty.

“We are deeply grateful for every kind gesture,” her father added. “Even the smallest support gives us strength and reminds us that we are not alone.”

As Marcelina continues her treatment, her family holds on to hope, drawing strength from her resilience and from the support of those who stand with them during this ongoing journey.