Since 2019, our son Andrey has faced one of life’s toughest challenges: stage III anaplastic ependymoma, a malignant brain tumor. As parents, we never imagined hearing those words, let alone living through them repeatedly. But that’s been our reality—multiple surgeries, countless rounds of chemotherapy, and the terrifying recurrence of cancer that has put Andrey’s life on the line time and time again.
It all began in November 2019 when Andrey underwent his first brain surgery followed by two rounds of chemotherapy in Abu Dhabi. Unfortunately, the tumor couldn’t be completely removed, and we were referred to Samsung Medical Center in South Korea for further treatment. In March 2020, Andrey had his second surgery, followed by radiation therapy in July. For a while, we allowed ourselves to believe that the worst was behind us, but fate had other plans.
In May 2024, just when we thought we could breathe easier, another tumor appeared. This time, a new mass was found in the right hemisphere of Andrey’s brain. On June 20, 2024, Andrey underwent his third surgery in Abu Dhabi. Again, the tumor couldn’t be fully removed, and we were urgently referred to Spain for specialized treatment. In October 2024, after another surgery and proton therapy, we dared to hope that our son might finally have the chance to live a normal life.
For a few months, the scans showed no new tumors, and we allowed ourselves to hope. But in March 2025, we received the worst news: disturbing changes were visible, and in September, it was confirmed—Andrey’s cancer had returned, this time with a new tumor in the craniocervical region. Multiple consultations with leading neurosurgeons from Tawam Hospital, Sheikh Khalifa Hospital, and Cincinnati Hospital confirmed that the cancer was back.
In October 2025, when Andrey was hospitalized due to severe headaches, we were told the heartbreaking words every parent dreads: “There’s nothing we can do. No surgery. No radiotherapy. No chemotherapy. Only palliative care.” Our world shattered. We were told to prepare for the end.
But we couldn’t give up on our son. We couldn’t accept that his fight was over. We sent his medical records to a hospital in Barcelona, one of Europe’s centers specializing in the most severe cases of childhood cancer. There, we received a miracle—the hospital agreed to admit Andrey for treatment. He has one final chance: three more surgeries and an innovative therapy for recurrent brain tumors.
This treatment is Andrey’s only hope, but the costs—surgery, travel, accommodations, and therapy—are beyond what we can afford. Our family has already given everything we have, but it’s not enough.
Today, Andrey is at home, suffering daily from pain that only paracetamol can alleviate. His future depends on the funds we raise to start his life-saving treatment. We are asking for your help, for our son’s life, and for his chance to just be a child again—not a patient, not a warrior, but a boy who deserves to live.
Please help us in any way you can. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to saving Andrey’s life. Your kindness and support mean everything to us.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
