Polish Teen Seeks $1 Million for Cancer Treatment in US

Kornel, a 15-year-old boy from Poland, is battling metastatic melanoma and is seeking $1 million in donations to undergo personalized immunotherapy treatment at a hospital in Boston, USA. After exhausting all available treatment options in Poland, Kornel's family has turned to the experimental T-cell therapy, known as TIL therapy, as his last chance for survival.

The treatment, which is estimated to cost almost 4 million Polish zlotys (approximately $1 million), is beyond the financial means of Kornel's family. In a desperate attempt to raise the necessary funds, Kornel's school, friends, and community have rallied together, organizing various fundraising efforts such as sports matches, concerts, and bake sales.

Kornel's family is now appealing to the public, including viewers of the Polish television channel Polsat, for support in covering the cost of the treatment and giving Kornel a fighting chance at life. Currently, Kornel is not receiving any treatment and is waiting to travel to Boston for the personalized therapy, which represents his last hope.

Why this matters: Kornel's story highlights the challenges faced by families seeking access to advanced cancer treatments that are not available or affordable in their home countries. It also emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and support in providing life-saving medical care to those in need, regardless of their financial situation or geographic location.

In a statement to Polsat, Kornel's mother said, "We are grateful for the outpouring of support from our community and beyond. Every donation, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to giving Kornel the treatment he desperately needs. We won't give up hope." The family continues to appeal for donations and hopes to raise the necessary funds in time for Kornel to receive the potentially life-saving treatment in Boston.

Key Takeaways

• Kornel, 15, has metastatic melanoma and needs $1M for immunotherapy in Boston.
• Treatment is beyond family's means, so they are crowdsourcing donations for the cost.
• Kornel's school, friends, and community have organized fundraising efforts to help.
• Kornel's story highlights challenges of accessing advanced cancer treatments globally.
• Kornel's family appeals for donations to give him a chance at life-saving treatment.