Brazilian Dad Who Lost All 3 His Kids To Cancer Dies Of Same Disease: "Indescribable Pain"

• Régis Feitosa Mota, born with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, lost three children to cancer; he to succumbed same disease after battling multiple types of cancer
• Li-Fraumeni Syndrome is a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome with a high risk of cancer development, and Régis' struggle highlights its impact and challenges
• Régis' battle with cancer sheds light on the devastating effects of TP53 gene mutation in Li-Fraumeni families, leading to multiple cancer cases and untimely deaths

Brazil - A dad who lost three children to deadly cancer has sadly died of the same disease.

What is Li-Fraumeni syndrome?

The Mirror reports that just as with his children, Régis Feitosa Mota was born with Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

According to Cancer.net, the Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS) is a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome first reported in 1969 by Drs. Frederick Li. It is a condition that increases the chances of developing cancerous tumours in the body. The lifetime risk of developing cancer in people with LFS is 70 per cent for men and 90% for women.

Between 2016 and 2023, Régis, 53, was diagnosed with cancer thrice; he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in January 2023.

“We discovered yet another disease. We have already treated lymphocytic leukaemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which are now stabilised," he said.

According to the late father of three, they had been treating the cancers but were yet to cure them. The latest one affected his bones as well.

Régis's wife eulogises him

Before his death, Régis revealed he was in the hospital waiting for a bone marrow transplant.

He later passed away in Ceará, Brazil, on August 13, Father’s Day in the South American country. His body was cremated on August 14, in Fortaleza.

Régis’ wife, Mariella Pompeu, said:

“My friends, I never imagined making this post. I never prepared myself for this moment, because I was always convinced Régis would make a full recovery.

“It's an indescribable pain. The ground has opened up, and I don’t know what life will be like without his affection, companionship and absolute love," she added.

Adults with LFS have a 50 per cent chance of giving birth to a child with the same condition. Regis and Mariella lost three children within four years.

His brother Rogério Feitosa Mota said:

“Our warrior went to meet his children exactly on Father's Day. May God take you, my brother! We love you so much.”

Kids die of leukaemia and tumours

Their youngest child, Beatriz, died of leukaemia in 2018, at just 10 years of age, while their son Pedro died of a brain tumour in 2020, aged 22.

Last year, their daughter Anna Carolina also died of a brain tumour at 25, having previously beaten leukaemia.

In the majority of families who have been diagnosed with LFS, a mutation can be identified in a gene called TP53.

When working correctly, TP53 prevents cells from developing into cancer cells; however, if there is a mutation in TP53, the division and growth of cells are uncontrolled, and cancers develop.

Eric mourns death of baby with cancer

Closer home, comedian Eric Omondi mourned the passing of Pyden Mudoga, who battled mouth cancer.

Kenyans united to raise funds for treatment and Omondi's efforts rallied Kenyans to raise KSh 1.4 million for Pyden's treatment.

Amid grief, Omondi called for healthcare system reform so that more people can get proper treatment.