A family is appealing for support as their three-year-old son, Jacob “Kuba” Nowak, continues a demanding medical fight after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma late last year. The illness, discovered after weeks of unexplained fever and fatigue, has turned the child’s daily routine from outdoor play and family time into hospital stays and intensive treatment.

Jacob was previously described as active, cheerful and healthy. His mother explained that only minor infections had ever appeared before. Everything changed in November 2023, when a persistent fever raised concerns. “The fever stayed for days, and I knew something wasn’t right,” she recalled. After blood tests showed significantly elevated white blood cell levels, Jacob was sent to a children’s hospital for further investigation.

Doctors then detected abnormalities near his lung, triggering a series of examinations that confirmed Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The diagnosis led to immediate treatment at a specialised centre in Warsaw, where Jacob began a strict medical plan involving steroids and chemotherapy.

His mother, Anna, described the shock and emotional toll: “When the results arrived, my world collapsed. I never imagined my child could be this sick. He was running and playing not long ago, and now we watch him struggle to walk.”

His father, Tomasz, said the diagnosis was devastating for their family. “We have other children at home waiting for their brother. They don’t understand why his bed is empty. We try to stay hopeful because Jacob needs us strong,” he stated.

Doctors have explained that the boy has a real chance of recovery, but the therapy he must undergo is aggressive. In the first phase alone, Jacob received daily chemotherapy for three months. The treatment caused severe fatigue and complete hair loss. According to his parents, he now experiences leg pain, weakness and moments of discouragement.

Anna added that despite everything, their son shows determination. “He doesn’t fully understand how sick he is, but he fights every day. We see strength in him even when he is tired. We hold onto that.”

Medical staff have prepared a long-term treatment outline, which is expected to include additional chemotherapy, radiotherapy and steroid therapy. The family says the future is uncertain, and the financial burden continues to rise. Travel, medication, accommodation near the hospital and daily care have placed heavy pressure on their resources.

The family has turned to community support to help them continue Jacob’s treatment and maintain stability at home. “We are asking for help because we cannot do this alone,” Tomasz explained. “Every form of support matters. We want our son to return to the life he deserves.”

Jacob’s case highlights the emotional and financial strain placed on families facing childhood cancer, as well as the hope that specialised treatment can offer. His parents remain focused on one goal—helping their son recover and return home to his siblings.

They describe each day as a step forward, and each sign of progress as reason to continue. Anna summed up their effort in a few words: “We believe Jacob can get through this. We won’t give up on him.”