The day that changed everything, time stood still, and the words "Your son has cancer" paralysed us.

March 7th 2025 - our son Jakub, 13-year-old.

What now? What next? How will we cope? How to tell Jakub's twin sister that he has cancer? Millions of unanswered questions...

After two weeks of tests, scans, and biopsies. Diagnosis confirmed - Lymphoma Hodgkin stage 4B.

Treatment plan: 6 cycles of chemotherapy, steroids, and radiotherapy if needed.

First appointment at the Oncology Clinic at Sheffield Children's Hospital on March 10th 2025. It was a huge stress for us and experience that is difficult to describe in words.

We felt lost. Everything was foreign and unknown to us.

We didn't know how to prepare for this difficult journey that had just begun for our son.

We met doctors, community nurses, and nurses. But we also met Emily from Young Lives vs Cancer - an Angel girl - we are very grateful to her for her help, support, and conversations that brought us solace. Believe me or not, but then I thought: We are in good hands, our son will win this fight, since we are surrounded by such wonderful people.

The treatment was very difficult. After the second cycle of chemotherapy, Jakub developed sepsis, heart damage, severe neuropathy, and ulcers in his mouth, which prevented him from eating or drinking for a long time.

However, his determination and the smile on his face, despite the pain, allowed him to win the hardest battle of his life.

December 19th 2025, Jakub rang the bell, the most beautiful day, full of emotions that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

Despite the side effects of treatment, neuropathy that limits his movements, stretch marks all over his body, and scars, our son sets a perfect example for us that we must fight, believe, and not give up. He will always be our hero and a great role model for a great man.

Young Lives vs Cancer did so much for Jakub and our whole family. It was them that gave us financial support and they were always available for a chat. They also offer so much more to families like ours.

This is the reason why I raised funds for this amazing charity.

I also believe that every event, every fundraiser, and every other form of support aims to spread a message of hope to many families: "You are not alone. You can count on support."

A child's illness cannot be endured alone, in silence, without help.

YLvC always in our hearts 💕 💞

Written by Jolanta Otlewska - Jakub's mum