“So, Philip, are we going to get some popcorn?” Agnieszka asks the six-year-old, and his eyes light up with joy. They had already taken a short drive through the surrounding villages that day, so that Philip could at least look at the children playing outside, play with the radio and pretend to change gears in the car. If there is enough time, they will have some fries today. Agnieszka knows that there is very little time left. How much? Maybe weeks. She doesn’t really know.

Filip’s parents have visited many hospitals. From Congo they went all the way to Rwanda, where they were reassured that it was cancer, but they were advised to return to their country and get an in-depth diagnosis at our hospital. Everyone knows that you can get expert help here. It was thanks to the ultrasound you purchased that we were able to diagnose the primary source of the cancer. Thanks to the blood you donated for transfusion (because in Congo it is the hospitals that maintain the blood donation centres), we were able to respond on a regular basis to worsening chemotherapy results.

Philip’s condition can deteriorate overnight. “Children die unexpectedly. They play until their last moments and suddenly fall into a coma. We give them oxygen straight away, but they usually pass away within a few hours. It is a very difficult experience for us because we are with them until the last moments. I don’t think this is something you can get used to. It’s difficult, but we hold their hand and make sure they don’t feel pain.” says Agnieszka.

But, as she stresses many times, for now there is life. Palliative chemotherapy has caused the tumour to recede and the boy can see again, and although the main source, in the abdomen, is still there, Philip no longer feels pain and eats with appetite. Tomorrow we will take another ride. The parents thank us and you for giving them the chance to say a real goodbye – for one last joyful embrace, no fear, no pain. And for those fries beloved by Philip – one last treat.

An IV drip or oxygen cost very little here – around PLN 10 – but for patients like Philip, whose comfort we constantly care for, they are worth their weight in gold. If you can afford such an expense, we encourage you to visit GoodWorks 24/7. You will only shop for good here!