Brain Tumor Awareness | Leah’s Story

Blanca shares the story of her daughter Leah, who battled DIPG for 17 months. Leah was a creative and adventurous girl who loved going places and trying new things. Blanca took Leah to the doctor when she started experiencing vision problems, which led to an MRI and a diagnosis of brain cancer. Blanca emphasizes the importance of being heard by doctors and the difficulty of navigating the emotions and decisions that come with a cancer diagnosis. She also discusses Leah's Etsy shop, where she sold handmade crafts, and her plans to start an organization to support teenagers with cancer. Blanca and Coral discuss the side effects of radiation and steroids in the treatment of DIPG and DMG. They highlight the challenges of finding clinical trials and the difficult decisions parents face when considering experimental treatments. They emphasize the importance of support and understanding from others who have walked a similar path. Blanca shares her experience with well-intentioned but hurtful comments and the need for more education and awareness about childhood brain cancer. They discuss the pain of losing a child and the ongoing grief that parents carry. Blanca talks about her plans to honor Leah's memory through a toy drive and future organization. They also touch on the limitations and side effects of clinical trials and the importance of advocating for better treatments and support for children with brain tumors.

[@cristianasaras6898]

Coral you are doing a wonderful job of bringing these babies stories to light I’m so sorry for both of your losses my heart is broken

[@elsiealvarodriguez8014]

I may not know from a mother's perspective what it's like to lose a child to brain tumor, but I do understand from a sibling perspective. My brother was 5 years old and I was 8 at the time. I don't know how my parents were strong enough to continue. I admire them and you guys for being so strong.
As a sibling it hurt and it was hard to understand. Wish my parents took us to therapy because the reality of death hit me so hard that I struggle with till this day.

[@e.c.1975]

I really hope that they find a cure for cancer. I lost a close love one from it so I can’t imagine my own child. Please continue to educate people on what they can do in order to help children with cancer. You two were amazing mothers and I’m sure your children were grateful that you guys were there every step of the way and never left their side.

[@ClumsyPlant]

They supposedly have one but don’t want us to have it

[@lindseyrodriguez2600]

This is so Heartbreaking

[@marcoantonio7983]

Me hace recordar cuando mi hermanito murió de cáncer perder un ser querido es un dolor que no se le desea ni a tu peor enemigo

[@amanda2825]

So very sad but also confused as to why she keeps refering to ger as a teenager when she was 10. Thats quite a ways away from a teenager

[@Jennifergaray-cl1wi]

You a good mom blanca

[@VivianArenas-oh4gg]

What’s the name of her shop

[@christinakoch2738]

Hugs to both of you! 🤗🤗🤗