In August 2021, our world was shattered. Our precious three-year-old son, David, the third of our four children, was diagnosed with a tumor in his pons, a small part of the brainstem that controls vital functions. The tumor had malignant features, and the doctors informed us that it was inoperable. They told us there was no guarantee that David would recover, and we were left feeling utterly helpless. The medical prognosis was bleak, but as parents, we refused to accept this conclusion. We couldn’t give up on our son.
David’s life had barely begun, and we couldn’t fathom letting him go without fighting for him, no matter the cost. We sought a second opinion and discovered the Medical Park Clinic in Antalya, Turkey. There, we were blessed to meet Professor Dr. Hasan Ozgur Ozdemir, a highly respected neurosurgeon who agreed to take on David’s case. The operation was one of the most complex in the field of neurosurgery, and the risks were enormous. However, with prayer and unshakeable belief, we made the difficult decision to move forward with the surgery, determined to give David the best chance at life.
In early September, just a few weeks after the diagnosis, David underwent two surgeries, each three days apart. The goal was to remove as much of the tumor as possible, though the location made it incredibly delicate. By the grace of God and the skill of the surgical team, approximately 80% of the tumor was successfully removed. We couldn’t believe the miracle unfolding before our eyes. The doctors themselves were amazed by the result, and we felt a glimmer of hope that we hadn’t allowed ourselves to feel in months.
The postoperative recovery process was long and difficult. David had to relearn basic skills, from moving his arms and legs to speaking, but he showed incredible resilience. Every small step he took felt like a triumph, a victory over the immense challenges he faced.
After surgery, the next step was radiation and chemotherapy to remove the remaining tumor. For a month and a half, David underwent a grueling regimen of treatment, including 30 sessions in total. The radiation, while necessary, caused his condition to worsen slightly, but we held on to the belief that every hardship would bring us closer to healing. A month and a half later, David’s condition began to stabilize, and he amazed everyone with his progress. We had hoped for a miracle, and it seemed that David was indeed on his way to recovery. His strength and courage surpassed even the doctors’ expectations, proving once again that hope is a powerful force.
Now, as we approach the date for David’s follow-up MRI and other tests, we are filled with both anticipation and anxiety. We are about to learn the definitive results of the treatment and surgery. The cost of this follow-up procedure is $2,000, not including accommodation and other expenses. Our large family simply doesn’t have the means to cover these costs, especially after the overwhelming expenses already incurred during David’s surgeries and treatments.
So, once again, we turn to the kindness of others. We are asking for help to cover these final medical expenses, so we can bring David’s treatment to an end and finally close this chapter of illness. The financial burden is heavy, but we are hopeful that, just as we received support during the surgeries and treatments, we will find help once more.
The kindness of caring individuals has been a lifeline for us. Thanks to their generosity, we were able to afford the medical procedures that saved our son’s life. Now, we turn to you with the hope that we can complete David’s recovery and start a new chapter of happiness and health. Your support, no matter the size, will bring us closer to the end of this long and difficult journey.
David’s story is one of hope, faith, and the incredible strength of a child who never gave up. He is fighting every day, and we are fighting alongside him, with all the love and determination we have. Our deepest gratitude goes out to each person who has supported us, and we ask that you continue to keep David in your thoughts and prayers.
We believe that David has a long, happy life ahead of him, and we are doing everything in our power to ensure that he gets there. With your help, we can take this final step and see our son continue to grow, play, and live the life he deserves.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for believing in David and for helping us make this dream a reality. May your kindness be returned to you a hundredfold.
With all our love and gratitude,
David’s Parents
