Tommy Verbickas, from Sale, Greater Manchester, was just two years old when he was diagnosed with Wilms tumour — a form of kidney cancer — after medics found a mass
A six-year-old boy has died after his third cancer battle.
Tommy Verbickas was first diagnosed with cancer in February 2022 at just two years old when doctors found a 2.3kg mass on his left kidney. Medics discovered the toddler had Wilms tumour — a form of kidney cancer — and the brave youngster had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery.
The little boy, from Sale, Greater Manchester, rang the end-of-treatment bell in November 2022, before sadly relapsing twice and facing cancer for a third time. He has now passed away, his family has said.
Relatives added they hope he is “flying high, dancing through the rainbows.” They said: “Our special boy Tommy we hope you’re flying high, dancing through the rainbows. Until we meet again our precious boy.”
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Earlier this week, the family posted about Tommy’s condition and how sad they were that they wouldn’t have more time with him. They said: “Tommy is still fighting, just as he has done for the past four years. It all feels so unbearably unfair, especially with how quickly everything is happening. I truly believed we’d have more time – time for one last trip to the beach altogether, another battle royale on his PS5, and simply for him to give his dog one more cuddle.
“Watching your precious child fade before your eyes is a pain no parent should ever have to endure. It’s the most heartbreaking kind of helplessness.He is genuinely incredible, and with every breath he takes, he keeps showing just how strong and determined he is.”
In an post on April 4, Tommy’s mum spoke about how the cancer in his lung had rapidly progressed and how his condition was deteriorating, calling it “the hardest thing we’ve ever faced,” Manchester Evening News reports.
Since his passing, tributes and kind words have flooded in for the “most amazing, bravest and courageous little boy” who showed “so much strength and bravery.”
Karen Harrison said: “Tommy the most amazing, bravest and courageous little boy who we love so much. Words can’t describe how we feel right now.
“But we know he will be the brightest star shining in the sky tonight and always. We will never forget him and his cheeky ways and that he still called me Mrs Harrison after 4 years.”
Another tribute said that Tommy had ‘fought a fight no child ever should’. Jill Stephens said: “He fought a fight no child ever should, but boy did he fight. You gave him everything, every chance, every bit of love. We will always carry him with us, and we will now help carry you through life ahead.”
