Urgent Campaign to Help Sergei Raise S$200,000 for Life-Saving Treatment

On May 27, 2024, Sergei was hospitalized and urgently needed a blood transfusion. Following a week of thorough testing, which included scans and a painful lumbar puncture, Sergei received the devastating news: he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Burkitt Lymphoma B-Cell cancer.

What is Burkitt Lymphoma B-Cell Cancer

Burkitt’s lymphoma is a highly aggressive type of B-cell lymphoma that mostly begins in body parts other than lymph nodes. The disease usually starts in the abdomen and later spreads to other parts such as the brain. It is characterized by its rapid growth and ability to spread quickly to other parts of the body if not promptly treated.

In adults, it can be difficult to differentiate Burkitt lymphoma, a highly aggressive B-cell lymphoma, from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), another aggressive type. Accurate diagnosis is essential because the treatment strategies for Burkitt lymphoma and DLBCL are distinct.

The stages vary from Stage 1, where lymphoma cells are typically localized in one part of the body; often in the lymph nodes, to Stage 4, (in Sergei’s case) where they widely spread to the bone marrow and/or the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

Initial Symptoms Ignored

In April, Sergei began experiencing a persistent jawache that was initially diagnosed as a gum infection. Despite multiple dental visits, the pain persisted and soon spread to his legs and back, eventually leaving him unable to stand upright. Despite two visits to the A&E, his symptoms were initially attributed to an allergic reaction and a degenerative back condition from painkillers issued during his dental treatment.

Critical Diagnosis

By mid-May, Sergei had lost 15 kg and was struggling to breathe. Alarmed by his extreme weight loss, his employers brought him to see an oncologist.

From here on, he received the devastating diagnosis of Burkitt Lymphoma B-Cell Stage 4. Furthermore, the cancer had spread to his spine, jaw, pelvis, stomach, and thyroid. Sergei also began to lose sight in his left eye, leading doctors to suspect that the cancer may have reached his brain stem.

Rare Disease

Burkitt lymphoma is considered rare, particularly outside certain regions and populations. It accounts for less than one percent of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas in adults in the United States and Western Europe. However, it is more prevalent among children, where it constitutes about 30 percent of all childhood lymphomas.

Immediate Action Needed

Initially covered by his company insurance, Sergei’s intention to return home for care with his family was halted by the urgent need for immediate cancer intervention in Singapore.

His treatment plan includes;

daily blood transfusions,
regular testing,
hourly vitals monitoring,
and an initial plan of 6 cycles of aggressive chemotherapy aimed at achieving remission, with a 90% chance of success if effective.

Support Sergei’s Fight to Reach S$200,000

As of now, his fundraising campaign has reached up to S$57,346 out of S$200,00. Additionally, Sergei faces this battle alone in Singapore, without family support. While his colleagues and friends have generously contributed every dollar they can spare, the daily costs of medical care continue to rise.

Sergei is known for his gentle, patient, and kind nature, making him a beloved figure among his colleagues at VivoCity.

“Personally, he’s one of the most gentle, patient, and honestly the sweetest person that I’ve worked with”, a colleague of Sergei shared.

Another fellow part-timer at Chimichanga who goes by @/srewee on Tiktok also shared his medical condition and pointed out that they are very thankful to him for his guidance while working at Chimichanga.

“He brings smiles to the workplace, but he doesn’t know that I was very very scared of him. I don’t owe it just to the workplace, (but) I owe it to him for guiding me and teaching me this whole time working at Chimichanga.”

Not only his colleagues, but everyone who knows him has nothing but good things to say about Sergei.

Your donation will make a significant difference in funding Sergei’s medical bills and reclaiming his life. Please visit Give.Asia to contribute.

To learn further about this disease, you may watch it here:

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@chimichangasg

Please help Sergei – every little bit counts 🙏🏻😭 Link to his Give.Asia page in our bio #cancer #cancerfundraiser #fundraising #singapore #tiktoksg #cancerfighter

♬ Very Sad – Enchan