A concerned British mother, Lucica Antohi, was dismissed for her worries about her baby’s health, being told it was just “new mum anxiety.” However, her son, Matias, ended up needing emergency surgery while they were on vacation in Spain. Initially, Matias appeared to have a swollen tummy after his birth in January 2024. Despite doctors reassuring Lucica that there was no cause for concern, his condition deteriorated during their trip to Spain in June of the same year, with him experiencing feeding difficulties and dry nappies.
Lucica sought medical help at University Hospital in Alicante, where tests revealed a 21.5-centimeter tumor on Matias’ right kidney. Although most of the mass was successfully removed on July 4, the tumor reappeared a month later, leading Lucica to temporarily relocate to Spain due to lengthy waiting lists for treatment in the UK. At La Fe Valencia hospital, Matias underwent multiple surgeries to remove the tumor and received chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Despite efforts from Spanish hospitals and the NHS, Lucica is now fundraising £20,000 for alternative treatment called Osimetrinib at St Jude Hospital in the US. She hopes this treatment will be effective in combating the aggressive tumor that has been growing rapidly.
Lucica shared the harrowing experience, expressing her anguish as a parent witnessing her child suffer and emphasizing the urgent need for specialized help. Matias, described as a resilient fighter, has undergone numerous treatments and surgeries to combat the tumor’s aggressive growth. Lucica remains determined to explore all possible avenues to save her son, including seeking alternative treatments abroad. She emphasized the critical importance of accessing Osimetrinib to combat the tumor effectively, highlighting the urgency of the situation for Matias’ well-being.
To support the fundraising efforts for Matias’ treatment, donations can be made by visiting the designated fundraising page.