A mother from the UK, Lucica Antohi, initially dismissed as suffering from “new mum anxiety,” faced a harrowing ordeal when her son, Matias, required emergency surgery while they were on a trip to Spain. Matias, born in January 2024, exhibited symptoms of a swollen abdomen, but medical professionals reassured Lucica that there was no cause for concern. However, during their vacation in Spain in June of the same year, Matias developed alarming signs, including refusal to eat and consistently dry diapers.
Lucica sought medical help at University Hospital in Alicante, where Matias underwent various tests that revealed a 21.5-centimeter tumor on his right kidney. Despite successful initial tumor removal in July, the malignancy resurfaced within a month. Due to long waiting lists in the UK, Lucica temporarily relocated to Spain with Matias for ongoing treatment at La Fe Valencia hospital. Matias underwent multiple surgeries to combat the tumor, along with rounds of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Facing the grim reality that neither Spanish hospitals nor the NHS could offer further treatment, Lucica turned to fundraising for £20k to access an alternative therapy, Osimetrinib, at St Jude Hospital in the US. Describing their distressing journey, Lucica expressed hope that their story would reach a specialist capable of providing assistance.
Matias’ health struggles began soon after his birth in January 15, 2023, with Lucica repeatedly visiting doctors due to his abdominal swelling, cough, and sniffles. Despite being initially dismissed, the severity of Matias’ condition became evident during their holiday in Alicante in June 2024, leading to a diagnosis of mesoblastic nephroma, a rapidly growing tumor in his right kidney.
Following surgeries and treatments in Spain, including the removal of his right kidney, Matias faced setbacks as the tumor recurred and posed life-threatening risks. Lucica’s plea for help on LinkedIn led to recommendations for Osimetrinib, a drug known to combat fast-growing tumors. However, challenges arose due to Matias’ young age and extensive prior treatments.
As Matias continues his battle against the aggressive tumor, Lucica remains determined to explore all possible treatment options, emphasizing the urgency of securing access to Osimetrinib in the US. With ongoing medical interventions and the need for specialized care, the family is relying on donations to fund Matias’ treatment journey.