My name is Barbara, I am 43 years old and I am a mother of two wonderful children. I have always been a cheerful, smiling person, ready to help anyone who needed it. However, life put me through a difficult test that changed everything.

On September 23, 2023, I heard a diagnosis that turned my world upside down – stomach cancer. I never thought that such a disease could affect me. At first, I was in great shock, but I knew that I have to take up the fight – not only for myself, but most of all for my family.

I started treatment with chemotherapy. I went through eight cycles, which were extremely difficult for me. I struggled with weakness, nausea and weight loss, but every day I found the strength to fight - because I knew that this was the only way to health. Then, on February 21, 2024, I underwent hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy combined with laparoscopy. This was a very demanding stage of treatment, but it was a key step forward. The next challenge was a total gastric resection, which was performed on March 11, 2024 to stop the progression of the disease.

I am currently undergoing further treatment to prevent metastasis and supportive therapies to help me regain my strength. Unfortunately, the cost of treatment is huge – from 9 to 11 thousand zlotys per month. Regular trips to distant medical centers, expensive private visits, a specialized diet, and medications are a significant drain on my family's budget. Despite these difficulties, I know I have to continue treatment.

What gives me the greatest strength is my loving family. My husband and our children are my most valuable support and the reason why I try to be strong every day. I dream of getting healthy and being able to watch my children grow up, enjoying every moment spent together. They are the ones who remind me that it is worth fighting, no matter how difficult this path is.and.