A cancer diagnosis in a child may seem like the end of the world, but it doesn't always have to be. An example of this is the story of four brave girls – Ada, Aniela, Zuzia and Kinga. Cancer took away their carefree childhood, but they won and now they are fulfilling their dreams. Three years ago, they talked about their illness in front of the cameras, and now about what their life looks like and how they cope with trauma.
For Zuzanna Dul, visits to the Warsaw Institute of Mother and Child every three months are just check-ups. “I have returned to a more or less normal lifestyle, although this endoprosthesis bothers me,” Zuzia confesses. The endoprosthesis is from the time when she was undergoing oncological treatment. It was a lesson in maturing for her.
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We first met Zuzia three years ago. She was 16 then. Ada Niewiadomska was a similar age when she spoke about her illness in front of the cameras. Shortly after the interview in 2021, she learned about the recurrence and that she would have to have another surgery and chemotherapy. Now it's the past and today she tells us how much she appreciates what she has.
– I have a home, I have good legs, good hands. I know that once, when I was sick, I couldn't go home because I had to be in hospital and that was terrible for me – says Ada.
At the Oncology Clinic of the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw, which specializes in the treatment of sarcomas of the musculoskeletal system, we also met Kinga Hamelusz and Aniela Adamska. – When I was walking, my leg simply started to hurt. We went to the family doctor and he recommended an MRI – Kinga said then. – I realized that I am able to go through more than I think and that I am able to overcome a lot – Aniela said in turn.
In the fight against cancer, “over 50 percent chance depends on us.” Prevention is the most importantTomasz Wesołowski/Fakty po Południe TVN24
Every year in Poland, approximately 1,200 children are diagnosed with cancer.
All the girls have finished their treatment and are under the supervision of doctors. After three years we meet Ada, Zuzia, Aniela and Kinga again.
– In a way, I was grateful that I got sick, because it changed me a lot as a person and now when I think back to who I was, I don't really like it. So I'm grateful that I had such an experience – Aniela confesses.
WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW: “The disease changed me.” They got their lives back, even though cancer had previously robbed them of their childhood.
After experiences that are difficult even for an older person, they are setting off into adulthood – with plans and dreams. Aniela is studying dietetics, Zuzia is going to study psychology, Ada is going to study occupational health and safety, and Kinga is in her third year of high school.
– A good attitude that you can get out of this is really important, to believe that there is such hope – says Kinga.
It is estimated that around 1,200 children in Poland are diagnosed with cancer each year. Professor Anna Raciborska, head of the Department of Oncology and Oncological Surgery for Children and Youth at the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw, emphasises how important it is to detect it early and not to ignore worrying symptoms. For example, a lump that does not disappear. – If we have a localised form and we treat it in accordance with the achievements of medicine, the chances of recovery are 9 out of 10 – emphasises the professor.
Main image source: TVN Facts