A mother from the UK, Lucica Antohi, was dismissed for her concerns about her baby’s health, being told she was just experiencing “new mum anxiety.” However, her son, Matias, had to undergo emergency surgery while on vacation in Spain.
Matias, born in January 2024, appeared to have a swollen tummy initially, but doctors assured Lucica there was nothing to worry about. During their trip to Spain in June of the same year, Matias stopped eating and had dry nappies consistently.
Seeking medical help at University Hospital in Alicante on June 23, Matias underwent tests revealing a 21.5-centimeter tumor on his right kidney. Although most of the mass was removed on July 4, the tumor reappeared a month later.
Due to long waiting times in the UK, Lucica temporarily relocated to Spain with Matias for treatment at La Fe Valencia hospital. Matias has since undergone multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Doctors in Spain and the NHS have indicated that there are no further treatment options available. Lucica is now fundraising for £20k to access an alternative treatment called Osimetrinib at St Jude Hospital in the US.
Lucica expressed her distress over her son’s suffering, emphasizing the urgency of finding a specialist who can offer effective help. Matias, a resilient fighter, urgently requires the Osimetrinib treatment to combat the aggressive tumor.
The journey began when Lucica noticed Matias’ swollen belly upon his birth in January 2023. Despite numerous doctor visits due to his symptoms, including a persistent cough and sniffles, she was repeatedly reassured that everything was fine.
While on holiday in Alicante on June 1, 2024, Matias was diagnosed with a mesoblastic nephroma, a fast-growing tumor in his right kidney that was causing internal bleeding. After undergoing surgery in Alicante, his condition worsened, leading to further treatment in Valencia.
The tumor’s recurrence required additional surgeries, including one in September and another in January, followed by radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Despite these efforts, the tumor continued to grow rapidly.
Desperate for a solution, Lucica turned to LinkedIn for help, where experts suggested trying Osimetrinib. However, the treatment has not been approved for children like Matias due to his age and previous treatments.
Recent procedures in September and October aimed to remove more of the tumor, but Lucica remains determined to secure the Osimetrinib treatment in the US to save her son’s life.
To support the fundraiser for Matias’ treatment, visit the donation page provided.
