Less than three years ago, on St. Nicholas Day, Tomuś’s parents received the greatest gift of their lives—the birth of their son, Tomek. His tiny hands, sparkling eyes, and the joy he brought into their world made every day brighter. They never imagined that just two and a half years later, they would be thrust into a battle against one of the most ruthless adversaries imaginable: a malignant brain tumor threatening the life of their beloved child.
The first warning signs came in June 2021. Tomuś began to complain of headaches, nausea, and dizziness. He started losing his balance, and vomiting became frequent. At first, his parents hoped it was nothing serious, but deep down, they sensed something was wrong. A CT scan confirmed their worst fears: a lesion had formed in his brain. He was immediately transported by ambulance to a hospital in Warsaw, where an MRI revealed the devastating truth: an anaplastic ependymoma, a malignant brain tumor measuring 4 by 5 centimeters. The diagnosis was terrifying.
On June 28, 2021, Tomuś underwent surgery to remove the tumor. While the operation successfully removed the mass, it came with severe complications. The surgery left him with paralysis of the laryngeal and pharyngonasal nerves, making speaking and swallowing extremely difficult. He now requires a feeding tube to ensure proper nutrition. Despite these challenges, Tomuś faced his new reality with incredible courage, embodying the strength and resilience of a child determined to survive.
Following surgery, Tomuś underwent four cycles of chemotherapy. For a while, his parents clung to hope, believing that treatment would halt the tumor’s growth. But recent MRIs brought heart-wrenching news: the chemotherapy was not working. The tumor was growing rapidly and had already metastasized to his spinal cord. Each passing day brought mounting fear, and his parents knew they had to act quickly to find the most effective treatment available.
In their search for answers, Tomuś’s family reached out to parents of children with similar conditions. Through this network, they learned about a specialized clinic in Tubingen, Germany, renowned for treating cases like Tomuś’s. The clinic offered a combination of surgery and proton therapy, which could give him the best chance at survival. However, the cost was staggering—hundreds of thousands of złoty, far beyond what his family could afford on their own.
Time is critical. Proton therapy must be started promptly to stop the tumor from spreading further. Every delay increases the risk of permanent damage and reduces the chance of a successful outcome. For Tomuś’s parents, every moment is a race against time. They face sleepless nights, constant worry, and the unbearable thought of losing the child who has brought so much light into their lives. Yet, despite the fear and exhaustion, their determination remains unshakable: they will do everything in their power to save him.
Tomuś’s story is a testament to courage—not just his own, but the unwavering strength of his parents, who fight daily on his behalf. They have experienced the raw fear of medical uncertainty, the frustration of setbacks, and the emotional toll of watching their child endure pain. Yet they refuse to give up. Every test, every consultation, every procedure is a step toward hope, a chance to restore a future where Tomuś can laugh, play, and grow like any child his age.
The family is appealing for help. They need support to cover the extraordinary costs of surgery, proton therapy, and the ongoing care required for Tomuś’s recovery. Every donation brings them closer to giving their son the life-saving treatment he desperately needs. Every contribution, every message of encouragement, and every act of kindness fuels their hope and determination to see him survive this battle.
Tomuś’s fight is far from over, but with the right treatment, timely intervention, and the support of compassionate people around the world, he can have a chance to overcome this disease. This is a child who deserves to experience the world, to explore, to dream, and to live fully. Every moment counts, and together, we can help Tomuś win this fight and reclaim his childhood from the shadow of cancer.
Please join us in supporting Tomuś. Your generosity could save a life, restore hope, and ensure that this brave little boy gets the future he deserves.
— Parents of Tomuś Kołodziejczyk
Nathan’s Journey: A Tiny Heart, Immense Courage.2968
When Nathan Byrne was born in October 2015, his parents, Lesley Condie and David Byrne, were immediately confronted with the reality that their lives had changed forever. Instead of the joyous welcome they had imagined, the couple faced fear and uncertainty. Nathan was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a complex congenital heart disease consisting of four defects in the heart, as well as a cleft palate. From the very first moments, the family knew the road ahead would be long and challenging.
“All I remember asking was if he could be fixed,” Lesley recalls. “We were told yes, but although that was positive news, for us, it felt like the worst possible moment. We were devastated.” The enormity of the situation, coupled with the uncertainty of his prognosis, was overwhelming. Despite the fear, upon arriving at the Royal Hospital for Children, Lesley and David were met with invaluable support and guidance that gave them hope for Nathan’s future.
Walking into the hospital for the first time was a surreal experience. “We thought what was happening was the worst thing in the world,” says Lesley. “Then we saw children who were much worse off than Nathan. That was a reality check. As much as we didn’t know what Nathan’s future would be, we immediately tried to be more positive.” That hope and determination became the foundation for the family’s journey through the medical challenges that lay ahead.
Nathan’s family quickly became inspired to give back. Experiencing firsthand the care, support, and encouragement provided by Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, they understood the difference that such resources could make. They began fundraising to help other children and families facing similar challenges. “Coming into the hospital changed everything for us, so we knew we wanted to do something for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity,” David explains.
The charity’s work touched Nathan and his family in tangible ways. Initially, they supported the Little Hearts Appeal, funding the UK’s first 4D Cardiac Scanner. This state-of-the-art equipment provided the hospital with detailed images of children’s hearts, including Nathan’s, ensuring that the medical team could make accurate assessments and perform successful interventions. The scanner became a critical tool in Nathan’s cardiac journey, giving both doctors and family confidence in his care.
During Nathan’s hospital stay, which lasted three months, the family faced mounting costs and the emotional toll of having a child in critical care. Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity’s Family Support and Information Service proved invaluable, providing practical, emotional, and financial guidance. The service helped the family apply for Disability Living Allowance, easing financial pressure and allowing Lesley to adjust her work schedule to spend more time with Nathan. “The Family Support team made it all so quick and easy,” Lesley says. “It took away the stress from the daunting forms and gave us a huge weight off our shoulders.”
Nathan’s medical journey has been extensive and challenging. His first complex open-heart surgery to repair the four abnormalities took an agonizing 15 hours. While the operation was successful, it left him with two leaking valves that will require further surgery in the future. After the procedure, Nathan was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit on ECMO, a heart and lung bypass machine. The tiny boy spent over eight weeks in ICU, a frightening and stressful time for him and his family.
During these weeks, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity’s volunteers brought comfort and normalcy to Nathan’s life. The Readathon program provided a welcome distraction. Nathan loved listening to stories, particularly dinosaurs, which allowed his older sister, Freya, to join him and share a special moment despite her own young age. Visits from Mickey Mouse and the Scottish Women’s Football Team lifted the spirits of both Nathan and his parents, providing small moments of joy amidst the intense medical challenges.
After more than two months in ICU, Nathan was transferred to the Cardiology Ward, marking a turning point in his recovery. His parents were grateful to have a pull-down bed in his room, funded by Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, allowing them to stay by his side. “I couldn’t wait for Nathan to be transferred to the ward,” says Lesley. “The beds are amazing — comfortable and perfect for staying close to your baby. It helped us learn how to care for him 24/7 before returning home.”
As Nathan regained strength, the Play Room, also funded by the charity, became a place where he could interact with Freya and other children. This space allowed his sister to spend time with him, helping her cope with the months she missed while he was in ICU. The Play Room offered a sense of normalcy and joy in the midst of medical uncertainty.
Nathan still faces future challenges, including an upcoming cleft palate surgery. The hospital’s state-of-the-art surgical microscope, funded by the charity, will play a critical role in ensuring the best possible outcome for this procedure. While Nathan is now home, uncertainties remain about how his heart will cope with the leaking valves, and he will continue to require ongoing monitoring and future interventions.
Inspired by the families they met during their stay, Lesley and David formed #TeamNathan with friends and family, raising thousands of pounds for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. Their efforts ensure that other children, like Nathan, receive the same care, support, and opportunities for recovery that made such a difference in their own lives.
Nathan’s story is one of courage, resilience, and hope. Thanks to the incredible dedication of medical teams and the generosity of the charity and supporters, Nathan is thriving and continues his journey with strength and determination. Lesley and David’s commitment to helping others reflects the impact that compassionate care and community support can have on the lives of families facing the most difficult challenges.
