A mother from the UK, Lucica Antohi, faced dismissal of her concerns about her baby’s health, initially attributed to “new mum anxiety,” until her son required urgent surgery while they were on vacation.
Lucica noticed her son, Matias, had a distended abdomen shortly after his birth in January 2024. Despite her worries, doctors reassured her, but during a trip to Spain in June of the same year, Matias’ condition worsened with feeding difficulties and dry nappies.
Seeking medical help, Lucica took Matias to University Hospital in Alicante, where tests revealed a significant 21.5-centimeter tumor on his right kidney. Although most of the mass was successfully removed on July 4, it regrew within a month.
Due to long waiting times in the UK, Lucica temporarily relocated to Spain with Matias for treatment at La Fe Valencia hospital. Matias underwent multiple surgeries to remove the tumor, along with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.
After exhausting treatment options in Spain and the UK, Lucica is now fundraising £20,000 for alternative treatment called Osimetrinib at St Jude Hospital in the US, seeking help through LinkedIn.
Describing the distressing journey, Lucica expressed her hope for finding a specialist to aid Matias, highlighting his resilience and urgent need for the Osimetrinib treatment to combat the aggressive tumor.
Initially noticing Matias’ swollen belly at birth, Lucica had repeatedly sought medical advice due to his symptoms, eventually leading to the diagnosis of a mesoblastic nephroma during their holiday in Alicante, where the tumor was surgically addressed.
Despite subsequent treatments, the tumor persisted, prompting the search for advanced options like Osimetrinib. With ongoing struggles and the necessity for specialized care, Lucica appeals for support to provide Matias with the crucial treatment he needs.
For those willing to contribute to the cause, donations can be made through the fundraiser link provided.