In October 2024, our daughter Alexia was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at just 10 years old. At first, we thought she had hurt her back in ballet class or during a sleepover pillow fight, but soon other symptoms appeared — overwhelming fatigue, nausea, and anxiety. When the diagnosis came, it was bittersweet. We finally had an answer, but it was terrifying to learn that our beautiful girl had blood cancer.
The first months were the hardest, as Alexia went through induction treatment, intense chemotherapy, and 28 days of steroids. Those weeks were full of challenges, but through it all, Alexia remained mentally strong and kept her spirit bright. Music from Sabrina Carpenter, dreams of returning to ballet, endless cuddles, and the love of our faith, family, and friends carried her through. Our community showered her with support, reminding us we are not alone in this fight.
Now, as we approach both the maintenance phase and the one-year anniversary of her diagnosis, we see light at the end of the tunnel. Alexia has big dreams for her future — she started a YouTube channel to inspire other kids and families, and she is turning her passion for nails into a small business. In May 2025, she was honored as one of only two students in her entire district to receive the Sunrise Award, which recognizes resilience, positivity, and optimism through life’s most difficult challenges.
As her mom, I’ve also found ways to give back. I donated my hair to Wigs for Kids and plan to do so again, and I am working on new projects to support families in our San Diego community.
By sharing our story, we hope to bring encouragement to others facing childhood cancer. Alexia’s journey is a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, there is light, love, and hope ahead.
Aimee
Family member, caregiver, advocate
