Join Sophia's Fight Against Pediatric Cancer

In the past 11 months, Sophia and her family's lives have been turned upside down. What started as a fun family vacation in Florida quickly turned into a living nightmare. A trip to the ER for what they initially thought were symptoms of dehydration, quickly progressed into an ambulance ride to Duke University Hospital in Raleigh. After further testing, it was discovered that Sophia has a Grade 4, aggressive glioma tumor in the center of her brain.

Sophia Diaz is a sweet, spunky, hilarious, athletic, 11-year-old. She loves the Lord, her family, and her friends with all her heart. Through the past several months, she has endured something no child ever should have to experience. She should be going to soccer and basketball games... homeschool co-ops and classes....not chemotherapy and radiation.

Previously called DIPGs, diffuse midline gliomas are the second most common type of primary high grade brain tumor in children, affecting 200-300 children per year. They are a type of glioma that grows in the midline between the two halves of the brain. 

Due to the location of the tumor, it is ultimately inoperable with very limited options for treatment. Radiation and chemotherapy can help slow the tumor's growth, but the disease remains incurable. The gravity of this rare and aggressive pediatric brain cancer was compounded by the devastating news that it has a very low long-term survival rate.

Yet, in the midst of this painful reality, Sophia continues to defy timelines & expectations with a spirit that shines brighter than the darkest prognosis. Her laughter, resilience, and boundless love have become a beacon of hope for everyone touched by her story. Inoperable....meet UNSTOPPABLE!

Even on the days when the waters seem so dark & deep... God has shown up to provide for Sophia and her family in the most amazing & unexplainable ways! He has definitely sent His angels to provide. We are reaching out to you today to ask for your support in the most challenging fight of Sophia's young life. The financial burden of medical treatments, experimental therapies, and hospice care is overwhelming for Mario & Rebecca. We have created a GoFundMe campaign to alleviate this burden, allow Mario to take some time away from work to spend with Sophia, and ensure that Sophia receives the best possible care.

Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on Sophia's quality of life, enabling Mario & Rebecca to focus on creating lasting memories and providing comfort for their precious daughter. Additionally, we ask that you share this campaign with your network, helping us reach compassionate hearts who may be willing to join us in this fight.

Please join us in praying that Sophia would be filled with the comfort and strength of the Holy Spirit. That she would continue to know that she is safe and secure in the arms of a God who is ever-faithful to her.

Medicine is ever-changing! Please join us in praying for new, safe & successful treatment opportunities for Sophia. Please join us in praying for miraculous healing!

Please join us in praying for wisdom & guidance of Sophia's doctors & hospice team. Jesus is the Great Physician...please let him guide the decisions and actions of Sophia's entire medical team.

Please join us in praying for strength and discernment for Mario and Rebecca during this unimaginable time, as they continue to advocate & make decisions for Sophia.

Let us rally together to show Sophia, Mario, Rebecca....and Sophia's sisters: Gabriella, Eliana, & Alora....and all those affected by DIPG that they are not alone. Your generosity and kindness will make a meaningful difference during this incredibly challenging time.

Thank you for opening your hearts to Sophia's story and for standing with us as we fight against DIPG, refusing to accept its grim prognosis. Cancer is a ruthless thief....but Sophia is a warrior, with an ARMY of support. We've got your back, sweet girl.

The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.

The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.

The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 121: 5-8

Sophia, you are so, so loved.