Our Warriors Who Inspire Us

Cecilia was an intelligent and active 8-year-old girl, who was so full of life. She loved pigs, pancakes, rainbows and giggling. She enjoyed being outdoors climbing, swimming, and collecting leaves, flowers or seashells. When indoors, she was happiest tucked in a cozy corner reading with her stuffed animals or humming away as she created an art or Lego project. She was a Star Student, a Girl Scout Brownie, and honorary member of the third-grade volleyball team at Saint Gabriel Consolidated School.

Cecilia was diagnosed with DIPG, an inoperable and highly aggressive form of brain cancer, when she was 7-years-old. After diagnosis, she began a course of radiation, followed by two clinical trials. She lived with all she had and never gave up.

Just two weeks after her ninth birthday, Cecilia passed away on July 8, 2017. During her 17-month battle with DIPG, she shared her big heart, her sunshine, and her music with everyone she loved. Cecilia is missed beyond words by her family and friends. Funding for pediatric brain cancer research brings hope that one day the cure will be discovered and no more children will have to suffer the same fate as Cecilia and the millions of other children who have lost their battles with brain cancer.