Hi,

My name is Adam Schulz. I am a happy husband and father of seven-month-old Marysia. Unfortunately, I am also terminally ill and that is why I am asking everyone who can support me for help. 

It started in October with a minor headache. I've never been one to ignore my body's signals, so when the pain persisted for about two weeks, I went to my doctor, who referred me for an MRI and CT scan, suspecting a sinus problem. Expecting confirmation, I scheduled an appointment for October 23rd. I let my wife know I'd be home late, left work, and headed straight for the CT scan. That day, I neither returned to work nor home. I was urgently transported by ambulance to the hospital because a five-centimetre brain tumor was discovered in my head in the parietal-temporal lobe, which was causing enormous pressure and shifting the right hemisphere of my brain to the left side by as much as a centimeter.

At the hospital, after further tests, the decision was made to undergo surgery to remove the tumor as quickly as possible. This came as a huge shock to me and my family. It was hard to believe this was actually happening. I had always taken care of my health, had regular checkups, and hadn't ignored any symptoms. However, what was found in me couldn't be detected during routine checkups. There was no time to come to terms with this news. On October 27, 2025, I underwent several hours of surgery to remove the tumor. Despite the risk of paralysis, the operation was successful, and the doctors jointly declared it a success. I took this as a good sign until the results of the histopathology tests arrived, which would determine the type of tumor I was dealing with.

Unfortunately, on my 42nd birthday, November 3, 2025, I found out that I have malignant polymorphic grade 4 glioma.

This diagnosis completely devastated me. It shook not only my life but also the lives of my family and those closest to me. So far, 2025 has been the most wonderful time of my life. At work, I felt appreciated for my commitment and found professional fulfillment in leading a team of people I truly admire. It gave me a sense of security and peace of mind about the future, which I knew would be intense. In April, less than a year after proudly taking on the title of husband, my long-awaited daughter, Marysia, was born. My wife and I began the most beautiful chapter of our family life. And at its beginning, I learned that people with this type of tumor have an average survival of 12-15 months. I have a 1-2% chance of surviving two years.

Currently, I have a treatment plan established, which is standard in our country – radiotherapy, followed by chemotherapy. Additionally, during treatment, I will undergo regular tests to determine whether a recurrence has occurred. I will begin radiotherapy in December. Knowing my chances with standard glioma treatment, I have begun researching other treatments that offer a better chance of survival.

I consulted my case among others. at the Immun-Onkologisches Zentrum in Germany and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in the USA. Both centers expressed interest in treating me. One of the greatest chances I can count on in this disease is TTFields therapy with the Optune device. Her results are most promising. Regardless of the decision regarding the method of treatment – the costs everywhere are very high and unfortunately beyond my financial capabilities. 

The cost of therapy in Germany is approximately one million zlotys. A month of TTFields (Optune) therapy costs PLN 120,000. This therapy can last up to two years.

What are my dreams and motivations?

A year ago, I dreamed of standing on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and of my daughter being born healthy. These dreams have come true.

Currently, all my dreams are related to Marysia – I would love to see her take her first steps, hear her say her first words, see how she develops, and actively participate in her growing up process. I want to simply enjoy every ordinary day with my wife and daughter.

I still have as much determination as I did in the mountains, but I define "my Everest" differently. It's to be with my loved ones for as long as possible.

Without your support, I won't be able to fulfill my dreams and fight this serious disease.. Therefore, I am asking for any help possible, for which I and my entire family are very grateful.

I've been through a lot, but I won't give up... – the story of Adam Schulz – a beneficiary of the Rakiety Foundation