Saving Ethan

Hello My name is Isabel Estevez and this is my story.

It’s been said that it takes a village to raise a child, and I’m praying a village can also help save one. My 4-year-old son Ethan is fighting glioblastoma, one of the most dangerous cancers, and there’s currently no cure. Please consider this an invitation to Ethan’s village to help him fight this battle.

Ethan was first diagnosed in October of 2022 when he entered the hospital because of a tremor in his right hand. After a couple tests we were met with the devastating news that he had a brain tumor. Ethan was then hospitalized for five months at Maria Ferreira Children's hospital where he had two risky brain surgeries; the second surgery left him paralyzed on his right side.

One rainy day at MFCH, Ethan asked me “Mommy, who is that?” I looked and saw nothing but a blue wall, but I played along and said “I don’t see anything, what do you see?” Ethan replied, “Mommy, why don’t you see it? It’s a man.” He remained fixated on the wall with the most peaceful smile and nodded a few times. “It’s Cheeses,” he told me. Haha, Cheeses. Jesus. I knew what Ethan was telling me. I started tearing up, hugging him and praying I would never forget that day. Two days later Ethan started moving his right hand and leg. It was one of the happiest moments at MFCH.

After Ethan recovered from the surgeries he started receiving chemotherapy. He received cycles of high-dose chemo but it wasn't enough – the tumor was still there. We got a second opinion from Memorial Sloan Kettering hospital in NYC . They told us what no parent wants to hear – Ethan had 18 months to live.

How do we prepare our life without his smile, without waking up early in the morning to his angelic face? How do we prepare to lose him? Losing him is unthinkable. He is our inspiration, our little warrior, our everything.

As warriors we FIGHT, we won't give up. Seeing our determination, MFHC referred us to a hospital we only knew from TV: St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. We traveled there in March, leaving my two older daughters back in New York, so that Ethan could receive 25 rounds of brain radiation and a successful third surgery that removed the tumors.

We were able to go back home in July, and just needed to return in early August for an MRI. But to our surprise, Ethan’s MRI came back and the cancer had unexpectedly spread to his spine and a new tumor had appeared on his brain. Why? How? Many questions, very few answers.

We now find ourselves back at St Jude for more spine and brain radiation, helping Ethan with the pain and hoping for a miracle. Ethan began a clinical trial on December 19. That means we will be here through the holidays, until February, and then travel every three weeks for his treatment for two years. It’s a long, difficult road, but anything for my baby. He is also receiving Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy to help his right side weakness.

Besides all these complications Ethan is stable, happy and living life to the fullest. He is such a brave, strong kid who isn’t giving in to this disease. And as any mother would, I want to be able to support him fully during this time.

I had to step down from my position from work to travel with Ethan to Tennessee. His sisters, Eva and Abby, visit when they can. To say it’s been a rough year for our family is an understatement.

We are putting our faith in God (and “Cheeses”) that our little guy wins this fight, and we would love to give him tons of beautiful memories. With your prayers, you can be part of this village to raise Ethan, to save him, and to give him peace and painless moments. With your donations, you are helping with our expenses and allowing us to keep the house my children call home. Thank you for reading and God bless.