Amelka was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, and from that moment, our lives turned into a nightmare. In August 2021, thanks to the support of generous donors, we began treatment at a clinic in Rome. Because of that help, our daughter is alive with us today, but the fight is far from over. The relief we felt after months of grueling therapy has been replaced with fear and uncertainty.
A few days ago, we received the words no parent ever wants to hear: recurrence. Several new cancerous lesions were found in Amelka’s head, and immediate treatment is required. We are now waiting for a cost estimate, and once again, our worst fears have returned. The thought of stopping her treatment now is unbearable, and we are pleading for help to give our daughter another chance at life.
Our story began months before that diagnosis. One day, we noticed small but alarming changes in Amelka’s behavior. She suddenly began to lose her balance and developed a squint in her left eye. In the morning, she was running and playing like any other child, but by evening, she could not even stand on her own. Alarmed, we rushed her to the hospital, fearing something was terribly wrong.
At first, doctors suspected inflammation of the cerebellum, a condition that could sometimes resolve with treatment. But soon after, imaging revealed the devastating truth. A CT scan and MRI confirmed that our daughter had a tumor in her head measuring 4.9 by 3.8 by 2.9 centimeters. Our world seemed to crumble around us; we could barely comprehend that our little girl faced a fight for her life.
Amelka was immediately referred for surgery. On March 5th, she was admitted to the operating room and underwent major surgery. The tumor was successfully removed, but seeing her in intensive care, surrounded by machines and tubes with a large bandage on her head, broke our hearts. Every beep of the monitor reminded us of how fragile her life was.
The next blow came with the histopathology results. Amelka had a medulloblastoma, a stage IV malignant tumor. The weight of that diagnosis was crushing, but we refused to give in to despair. Every day became a careful balance between hope and fear, determination and exhaustion.
Radiotherapy, the usual next step, was not an option for her at that age. Amelka was still tiny, and her body was developing. Radiation could destroy healthy cells that would never regenerate, leaving lasting consequences beyond the cancer itself. Our only hope lay in specialized treatment at the Bambino Gesu Clinic in Rome.
The clinic proposed megachemotherapy with an autologous stem cell transplant, a complex and exhausting course of care. Thanks to generous donors, we were able to begin treatment in August 2021. Over six months, Amelka endured cycles of chemotherapy, stem cell preparation, and recovery, each step more difficult than the last. Her courage amazed everyone, and her determination inspired us to keep going.
Finally, a follow-up MRI brought a moment of relief: a clean bill of health. We allowed ourselves to hope, to imagine a future where she could regain the childhood stolen by cancer. She began to play again, laugh, and explore the world around her. For a brief moment, the nightmare seemed behind us, and life felt almost normal.
But fate was not done. A new MRI revealed a recurrence, a cruel reminder that this fight is far from over. After just two months at home, we returned to the hospital to face the reality once again. More than a dozen new lesions were detected in Amelka’s head, all requiring urgent treatment. The news hit us like a tidal wave of fear and despair, but we refused to surrender.
The clinic is ready to begin treatment immediately, but the cost is immense. We must raise funds quickly to continue her therapy and give her the chance to survive. Every moment counts. The cancer is aggressive and will not wait. Without urgent care, we risk losing her.
We are asking for help. Time is critical, and the battle is overwhelming. Every donation, every act of kindness, every share of our story brings Amelka closer to life. Together, we can ensure that she receives the treatment she needs, that she can continue to grow, laugh, and live the childhood she deserves.
Amelka’s parents are fighting alongside her, but they cannot do it alone. Hope, generosity, and compassion can make the difference between life and death. We beg you to stand with us, to give our daughter another chance to survive, and to help her reclaim the life that was stolen too early by cancer.
Please, help us save Amelka. Her life depends on it, and every second counts.
Amelka’s parents