It's Time for Effective Therapy
My name is Nina Rybárová. I work in the cultural sector, live in Bratislava with my husband, and raise our three-year-old daughter. I've tried to live as normal a life as possible, but for the past years, a rare and, until recently, untreatable form of cancer (known as VHL) has made that difficult for me. I’m 40 years old, and my condition is now in a very serious stage. Your kindness and support could quite literally save my life.
Doctors Call Me a ‚Time Bomb‘
I was diagnosed with VHL syndrome years ago, and an urgent intervention was needed to stop a tumor on my spine at TH 11–12. Doctors said I would never walk again after the surgery. But my cousin asked the doctor about CyberKnife radiation therapy and suddenly, he knew exactly what she meant, confirmed this method as suitable in my case and referred me to Ostrava (Czech Republic). The laser precisely targeted only the tumor, leaving the surrounding spinal cord tissue unharmed. It took me six months to recover, but the tumor was halted. I learned to walk again, and over time, we reduced my pain medication.
It Can Explode Practically Anytime
I was left with a disability status, along with multiple tumors and cysts in my head, spine, and abdomen. But for the while, nothing urgent needed to be done. I started over—new job, same field. My love for culture and art always helped me to forget, at least for a while. Again and again, usually after yet another „medical leave.“
For a long time, I couldn't talk to anyone about all of this. I wanted people to see me the same way as before. Not having to explain or say out loud all those terrifying medical findings,that gave me a safe space to think, to focus on the next necessary steps. Only my husband knew everything—my mother, a little less.
Over the years, I underwent three brain surgeries and an operation on both adrenal glands. One was left intact—life without it isn’t possible. In the brain, surgeons have only microscopic room to maneuver, and another operation would likely come at the cost of damage to my speech and coordination centers. Another major concern is a tumor on my pancreas. A 2 cm NET is located deep near my spine, just below the aorta, hidden behind multiple cysts. It isn’t suitable for radiation and is practically inoperable.
A Remarkable Turn in a Dark Story
Suddenly, an incredible breakthrough happened, and hope appeared in my quickly slipping-away life. At the Beginning of the Year, a Treatment Was Found for Me.
A medication called WELIREG (belzutifan) was recently approved by the European Medicines. Agency (EMA) which was proven to be effective against tumors making them shrink and stopping their growth. Due to its exceptional properties, the EMA granted it priority approval through an accelerated process. WELIREG is specifically designed to target VHL and NET tumors. Just a year ago, my rare syndrome was considered untreatable—now, there is an effective treatment.
A Week of Treatment Costs €5,625. The insurance company does not cover it.
I have already been waiting for two months for my doctor’s request for reimbursement to be sent to the insurance company. The chances of approval are low. I cannot and do not want to waste any more time. Your financial contributions will help me start the treatment and sustain it for a year. The first package of medication lasts for one month and costs €22,500. The required annual therapy amounts to a total of €270,000.
I want to be there for my three-year-old daughter and my husband.
I want to heal—now that it’s suddenly possible. There is still so much work to do, so many ideas to bring to life, and so much good I want to be part of. Doctors have already performed many miracles in my life, and this treatment is yet another one.
THANK YOU in advance for your positive thoughts. I deeply appreciate every euro you generously give to help me.