Tomasz Jakubiak, a beloved Polish chef and television personality, is facing a dire health crisis as he battles a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Known for his role as a juror on the popular cooking show "MasterChef," Jakubiak has recently shared heartbreaking updates about his condition, which has worsened significantly over the past few weeks.
Jakubiak, who has been undergoing treatment for cancer of the intestine and duodenum since March 2024, revealed that his illness has progressed to an advanced stage, with complications that have led to water in his lungs. This development forced him to abandon plans to fly to Athens for further treatment, opting instead for an ambulance journey of 2,500 kilometers. "It turned out that I had to go for further treatment, which is taking place in Athens. As if that wasn’t enough, it turned out that I have water in my lungs, so at the last moment, I had to cancel the flight and go by ambulance," Jakubiak stated in a video posted on the Facebook page of "Deli 4 You Market," a grocery chain he collaborates with.
The public has rallied around Jakubiak, with his friends and fans expressing concern over his deteriorating health. The administrators of the "Deli 4 You Market" Facebook page issued a heartfelt appeal for support, stating, "The condition of our friend Tomek has worsened, and now more than ever, he needs our support." This message highlights the urgency of the situation as Jakubiak continues to fight for his life.
In his video from the hospital bed, Jakubiak addressed his followers directly, urging them to contribute to a new fundraiser aimed at covering the substantial costs of his ongoing treatment. "I am in the hospital in Athens and need your help. I am recording this video because I need to start another fundraiser; I don’t want to stay in Greece. I would be grateful if you could share the link and contribute something yourself. Thank you very much, and I love you all!" he said, visibly emotional.
Jakubiak's journey has been marked by both challenges and moments of hope. He initially garnered public sympathy after revealing his diagnosis during an appearance on the morning show "Dzień Dobry TVN." He shared that he had lost over 20 kilograms due to the illness, and the diagnosis, which came after a lengthy process of medical examinations, revealed a rare and difficult-to-treat cancer that affects only a small percentage of the population.
Despite the setbacks, Jakubiak has remained optimistic about his treatment. He previously reported positive developments after undergoing therapy in Israel, where he received care at a specialized oncology clinic. Upon returning to Poland, he was able to share updates that indicated his health was improving, stating, "Chemotherapy is working. There are still problems with movement and other things, but everything is progressing. Tumor markers have dropped nicely, and something positive is starting to happen in my abdomen, which I can feel."
However, the situation took a turn for the worse in March 2025, when Jakubiak announced that he needed to return to Israel for another operation. Following this announcement, he withdrew from social media, raising alarms among his followers. The recent updates from his friends have confirmed that his health has deteriorated further, necessitating urgent treatment in Greece.
The financial aspect of Jakubiak's treatment has also been a significant concern. His previous fundraising efforts successfully raised over 1 million PLN to facilitate his travel for specialized care. However, the new round of treatment in Athens has resulted in additional costs, prompting the need for another fundraiser, which has already seen over 27,500 PLN collected. Jakubiak has emphasized the importance of this financial support, stating, "I think it’s important for you to know that the treatment so far is yielding results. Although my physical condition fluctuates—there are better and worse days—I’m not giving up. I’m still fighting with all my might. It’s thanks to your support that this fight is even possible."
The outpouring of support from fans and friends has been a source of strength for Jakubiak during this challenging time. Many have shared messages of encouragement, hoping for his swift recovery and return to the culinary world. As one of his friends put it, "We want to continue supporting him and his family during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts are with them, and we all hope for Tomek’s return to health! We love you, Tomek, we are with you!"
Jakubiak's situation serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those battling serious illnesses, highlighting the importance of community support in times of crisis. His journey, filled with both struggle and resilience, continues to inspire many, and the hope remains that he will overcome this battle and return to his passion for cooking and sharing joy with others.
As the situation develops, fans are encouraged to keep an eye on Jakubiak’s social media for updates and to consider contributing to the ongoing fundraiser, which is crucial for his treatment. The chef’s story resonates deeply, as he embodies the spirit of perseverance and the fight for life against all odds.
