‘In Poland we had no options at all, but here our daughter had a chance at life’

In 2022, three-year-old Barbara was diagnosed with an abdominal neuroblastoma in her home country, Poland. The tumor was very large and was located near important blood vessels and nerve plexuses. In her home country, she underwent four cycles of chemotherapy, which were unsuccessful. Then she underwent surgery to remove the tumor, which also failed. After she was first diagnosed with metastasis, the family decided to seek treatment abroad.

Thanks to the mother's research, and the fact that the father had previously studied at the SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital, the family contacted Dr Jaume Mora, Scientific Director of the Oncology and Hematology Departments. After the initial online assessment, the hospital team confirmed that the tumor could be surgically removed. The family travelled to Barcelona with the weight of the world on their shoulders, their situation on a knife edge: ‘We didn’t come to sort out small problems. We came here to fight for our daughter’s life’, recalls Barbara’s mother, Anna.

In February that year, Barbara underwent surgery with the pediatric surgery team, led by Dr Lucas Krauel and Dr Rosalía Carrasco. The operation was planned in precise detail using a 3D print of the tumor, and lasted a total of seven hours. The result was an almost a complete resection of the tumor. In addition, medical professionals confirmed there was no metastasis and that everything had gone smoothly, meaning there was no need for any additional treatment.

Being treated at the SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital

The family notes that their experience at the hospital was very positive. Barbara's brother Bartosz explains that, during her hospitalisation, the family was able to be with Barbara at all times: ‘We were always able to be by her side, supporting her and playing with her like normal’.

The hospital, as well as offering cutting-edge medical treatments, is built with pediatric patients in mind, with parks, dog-assisted treatments, games with volunteers and caring, compassionate staff. Barbara's father Szymon highlights that ‘you can tell that everything is done in a way that makes the child feel as good as possible and, through play and smiles, any treatment-related stress is reduced as much as possible’.

Now, in 2026, Barbara is in remission. She lives a normal life, only attending periodic check-ups and imaging tests. She can enjoy her daily life like any other girl. The family emphasises that the chance they were given at the SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital was pivotal: ‘In Poland we had no options at all. But here, all of a sudden, our daughter was given another chance at life. Today she is happy and healthy, and that really is a miracle for us’, says the mother.