To: Zlatina Staykova and Radoslava Stancheva
My name is Minka Popova and I am mother of a very smart and strong boy – Anton Popov.
In 1999 my husband and I went to live in the United States. Anton was born in St.Petersburg, Florida in 2006. In 2008 because of health issues of my husband we moved back to Bulgaria.
Last year Anton got sick and we found out he had Ewing Sarcoma – a very aggressive tumor located on his left femur.
Right away we started treatment in the Clinic for Pediatrics and Childhood Genetic Diseases in Plovdiv.
To protect his immune system and make the time for recovery, Anton had to stay out of school long-term.
Anton’s first day of chemo was September 15, in Bulgaria this is the first day of school. It was a very sad day and we were so upset and devastated because our 11 years old son was starting very hard and intense treatment with a lot of side effects.
Then we were visited by the teachers from Education and Health association.
They talked about his options to continue his education and provided us with instructions how to connect with his school and complete their paperwork so he can continue as a self-preparing student. We talked about his abilities and needs and also we discussed the teaching plan.
This was so important for us because we were very confused and also it gave us hope that life will keep on no matter the horrible diagnose.
It was such a relief to have people who understand what you are going through and give you guidance how to move forward in these difficult times.
So for 10 months Anton underwent chemotherapy and surgery to remove the tumor.
During that time either Radoslava or Zlatina, depending on what subject he needs to study, were right next to his hospital bed. They made studying such a fun process, talked and discussed, even watched small educational movies on You Tube so he can understand the subject better. Anton enjoyed it very much and most importantly he got confident and motivated to keep learning new things.
They were very sensitive to his medical needs and when he felt tired they either played games or just made sure he is fine and went to the other children who expected them.
When we were back at home between chemo treatments they connected with him online and kept studying so he can make progress.
In June this year Anton passed all his exams, finishing the school year as an A grade student.
Because of their help, encouragement and patience he will be able to return to his friends in school without loosing an year.
I appreciate all of their hard work, dedication and I want to sincerely thank them for their support and concern during these hard 10 months.
With deepest respect for what they are doing as volunteers I wish them all the best in the future.
Sincerely,
Minka Popova
