A mother from the UK, Lucica Antohi, faced dismissive responses when she expressed concerns about her newborn son’s health, being told it was just “new mum anxiety.” However, her worries escalated when her son, Matias, had to undergo emergency surgery while they were on a holiday trip to Spain. Matias, born in January 2024, initially appeared to have a swollen abdomen, but medical professionals assured Lucica that there was no cause for alarm. It wasn’t until June of the same year, during their stay in Spain, that Matias began experiencing feeding difficulties and consistently dry diapers.
Lucica sought medical help at University Hospital in Alicante, where Matias underwent various tests, including x-rays, blood tests, and scans on June 23. Shockingly, the results revealed a 21.5-centimeter tumor on his right kidney. Although most of the mass was successfully removed on July 4, the tumor reappeared just a month later.
Due to long waiting lists in the UK, Lucica and her family temporarily relocated to Spain for Matias’s treatment. Now at La Fe Valencia Hospital, Matias has undergone multiple surgeries to remove the tumor, along with receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Despite the efforts of Spanish and NHS medical teams, Lucica is now fundraising £20,000 to finance an alternative treatment known as Osimertinib at St. Jude Hospital in the US. This decision came after reaching out for assistance on LinkedIn.
Describing the harrowing experience, Lucica expressed, “This is a parent’s worst nightmare. I have witnessed my child endure immense suffering. I pray that our story reaches a specialist who can offer help.” She added, “Matias is a resilient fighter, enduring so much already. This aggressive tumor is growing 28 times faster than normal. Osimertinib could potentially eradicate the tumor – a treatment he urgently requires.”
Initially, Lucica suspected Matias had an enlarged abdomen at birth on January 15, 2023. Despite multiple visits to doctors due to his symptoms, she was repeatedly reassured that everything was fine. However, during their holiday in Alicante on June 1, 2024, Matias was diagnosed with a mesoblastic nephroma, a rapidly growing tumor in his right kidney.
After undergoing surgical procedures to remove the tumor, complications arose, leading to further treatments. Despite ongoing efforts, including radiotherapy and immunotherapy, the tumor continued to grow rapidly, prompting the search for alternative treatment options like Osimertinib.
To support Matias’s treatment and donate to the fundraiser, visit the link provided.
