Help Children with Cancer Access Treatment!

Aisel is only 12 years old and is already fighting a severe and life-threatening disease — a malignant brain tumor.

Everything began when Aisel started experiencing severe headaches, ringing in her ears, and strabismus. At first, doctors said that such symptoms could occur during adolescence. Unfortunately, her condition continued to worsen
day by day. Feeling that something was seriously wrong, her mom decided to take her to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to consult other specialists.

There, an MRI scan revealed a brain tumor. After that, Aisel and her mom returned to Kazakhstan, where further examinations were conducted in Shymkent, including MRI with contrast and consultations with oncologists and
neurosurgeons. Because of the severity of her condition, Aisel was urgently hospitalized and scheduled for surgery.

The first brain surgery was performed on March 26, 2025. The histological examination showed supratentorial ependymoma, Grade 3. After surgery, Aisel was referred to Almaty for chemotherapy treatment. Despite intensive treatment, the tumor continued to grow. She underwent 30 sessions of radiation therapy, followed by additional chemotherapy. Sadly, the treatment did not stop the progression of the disease.

Due to tumor progression, doctors decided that a second surgery was necessary. The second operation was performed on March 11, 2026.  The histological results were inconsistent. Initially, doctors suggested a high-grade glioma, and after a second review, the diagnosis again indicated ependymoma. Because of these conflicting results, the histology samples were sent for international review in Turkey.

After the international review, specialists determined the final diagnosis as diffuse pediatric-type high-grade glioma (WHO Grade IV) — an aggressive malignant brain tumor.  The doctors confirmed that the tumor was not completely removed and continues to grow.  After reviewing all medical records, MRI scans, pathology reports, and treatment history, specialists in Turkey concluded that the only chance to save Aisel’s life is to perform an urgent third neurosurgical operation aimed at maximal removal of the remaining tumor, followed by a modern chemotherapy protocol available in specialized Turkish clinics.

Doctors explained that the third surgery is necessary because a large residual tumor remains in the brain, the tumor continues to grow despite previous treatment, incomplete removal increases the risk of rapid progression and life-threatening complications, and only maximum surgical removal combined with modern chemotherapy can give Aisel a chance for survival and further treatment.

For Aisel's family, the cost of treatment abroad is enormous and impossible to cover on their own.  They have already spent all of their savings on examinations, surgeries, treatment, medications, and travel between cities.  Unfortunately, Aisel's father does not support his family, and Aisel's mom is facing this struggle alone with her daughter. She cannot work because she must constantly stay by her side — during hospitalizations, surgeries, chemotherapy sessions, and medical examinations.

Despite the pain, surgeries, and difficult treatments, Aisel remains incredibly strong. She continues to fight and believes that everything will be okay.  Her mom is working very hard to raise funds and support her daughter so that  she can smile again, go to school, dream about her future, and live her life.

Thanks to your support, we were able to offer help to Aisel's mom.  We would love to be able to do more for Aisel and kids like her who need access to specialized care unavailable in their home countries.  

We really appreciate your care for kids with cancer!  Thanks again and hope you consider supporting us monthly or participating in matching campaigns offered by GlobalGiving.  If you are interested, join us on July 15th to help us win a share of $150,000 bonus funds during GlobalGiving 2026 July Bonus day!