Why CURE is so Desperately Needed
It is a medical and sobering fact that one in six of all deaths is caused by some form of cancer, making it the second leading cause of mortality (just behind cardiovascular disease). Indeed in 2020 alone, over 10 million people succumbed to the illness, which for context is almost the same number as the entire population of Sweden. In terms of pediatric cancer, it is the leading cause of death by disease, with over 400,000 children being diagnosed annually, of which 80,000 do not survive. When presented with vast statistics such as these — which can often become too much to fathom — it can become too easy to forget the devastation it can have on the lives of those it affects and their loved ones, and the importance of doing something to combat the horrific disease.
That is why CURE is doing a weekly Spotlight series, which aims to present the lives of those right at the heart of the cancer fight — either on a personal or research level. We feel these stories are important because they highlight amazing individuals rather than focusing on statistics, showcasing bravery and determination, as well as how CURE aims to help in any way it can. However, due to the very nature of the subject, the stories do not always have positive outcomes, which is the case with today’s Spotlight.
Twelve-year-old Alex Buczkowski is just a normal teenager.
Like most students, just a few months ago he was finishing up his summer holiday, of which he had spent much learning French due to his passion for geology, and his future goal of emigrating to Canada to becoming an amethyst miner. As a keen academic, he was also excited about returning to school to see his friends and continue his studies. It was around this time in early August that Alex and his family received the Covid-19 vaccination. Unfortunately, not long afterwards Alex began to suffer extreme headaches and lethargy, which doctors believed was simply an unwanted side-effect of the vaccine. Alex was given the standard recommendation of plenty of bed rest and fluids, and the assurance that these symptoms would pass with time.
Unfortunately, they didn’t pass.
Instead, the headaches began to intensify over the following few days, which the family tried to manage with medication. Excited to enter the 7th grade and see everyone, Alex decided to return to school despite how he felt. He lasted three days. His mother Amelia explains how on the 21st August he returned home, explaining that he felt really unwell, and “that he was so tired and just wanted to sleep.” In the evening Alex began to vomit constantly and was taken to the local urgent care facility. There he was tested, and all came back clear. This again led doctors to believe that he was still suffering extreme reactions to the vaccination. Again, he was sent home and advised that it would pass with time.
At this point Alex’s condition deteriorated rapidly. He continued to vomit constantly and stopped eating, drinking and sleeping. Desperate with worry, his parents took him to the ER, where once again doctors were unable to find any issues. Just as he was about to be discharged once again, the doctor asked him to talk an observed walk. Alex faded fast at this point and he was immediately admitted into hospital. He was ordered an urgent MRI scan, and it was revealed that he has a brain tumor the size of a clementine.
This was the moment that Alex’s world forever changed. He was immediately placed in a medically induced coma and transferred to Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oaklawn to undergo emergency surgery. It was whilst they were there that Dan and Amelia were informed that due to the position of the tumor, it would be impossible for surgeons to remove all of it. Alex’s parents were forced to endure the awful realization that there was not much that can be done to save their child’s life and that focus would instead be on making him as comfortable as possible for his remaining time.
Alex has since been woken from his coma, but has lost the function of his left arm and leg, and attention has been turned to dedicated Physical Therapy in the hopes that some movement will return over time. Unfortunately, this will only be temporary and the grim reality for Alex and his family is that as the tumor grows he will eventually lose that function again. Advocate’s hospital is working closely with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Chicago to ensure that the best plan forward is being put in place; Alex’s gruelling treatment will consist of Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy, and possible clinical trials, which the parents will be advised about as time goes on.
During his seven-week stay at the hospital, Alex underwent a total of seven crucial operations to allow him to be discharged home under the care of his parents. “This was a huge positive step for us,” says Amelia, “as the hospital stay, coupled with the severity of his situation had really started to affect him. I mean, he’s only twelve.” Since Alex has returned home, other struggles have emerged. His cognitive functions don’t work as normal, so at times he struggles to understand where sound is coming from when people talk to him, and his voice has become a whisper — which the family have combated by purchasing a bell he can ring when he needs something. Intense rehab has currently been placed on hold until the end of Alex’s current radiation cycle, and then the family hopes they will be able to place him back at Advocate’s Hospital so that he can be given the mobility help he so desperately needs to aid his cognitive and motor skills, in order to try and emulate his life as closely as it was before he was diagnosed.
Unfortunately, but unexpectedly, beyond the emotional weight of Alex’s situation, there has been an immense financial toll on the family. “Alex is one of four children,’ says father Dan, We have to try and do what’s best for everyone whilst supporting Alex. Amelia has had no choice but to leave work though so she can care for him.” Due to this the family will not be receiving Amelia’s income, which comes as a heavy blow on top of what the family is already dealing with.
When CURE found out about Alex and his sad situation, for Jacob it wasn’t a case of if the project could help, but how. After discussing with Dan and Amelia, CURE set up a monthly consistent donation amount, which will take care of some medical bills associated with Alex’s care.
“We are so thankful to CURE, they have been a godsend,” says Amelia. “This has made such a difficult situation slightly easier to bear.” Unfortunately, Alex still has a very long and hard road ahead of him to get to the stage where he can live his remaining years comfortably. His treatment program completes at the end of November, and from there it will take a further six weeks until the family will even be informed of how things went. Afterwards, it will be a case of planning the next course of action, heading into the New Year.
It is an immensely difficult situation to endure for the Buczkowski family, but all Amelia asks for is positivity and hope for her son. “The biggest thing we as a family ask for is prayers. Words of encouragement so that the surrounding for Alex is always positive. The community and people from all around who have entered into our lives to support us has been incredible. Thank you, everyone.”
Unfortunately, situations like Alex’s are depressingly common in both the US and the world over, with insurances refusing to pay out long term (if at all), and families forced to suffer financial hardships on-top of emotional grief. This only further highlights the crucial importance of CURE’s dedicated mission to eradicate the disease from the planet in all forms, whilst supporting those who are suffering along the way. It is a long road, and we have far to travel — but if the word spreads enough, we can and will happen.
Now that is a cause worth investing in.
If you want to find out more about CURE and its incredible mission check out the website at www.curetoken.net or join the official Telegram group https://t.me/CureTokenV2.
This article was written by Stuart Meczes. Please note that Stuart is not a financial advisor and nothing written above should be taken as financial advice.
