GRANT RECIPIENTS

What follows are some inspirational stories about children, teenagers, young adults and adults whose lives have been impacted by a brain tumor. While that is only a small part of their story, we hope that offering you a little insight into who your support assists will be eye opening. These courageous people are not the only Libby's Hope Foundation grant recipients, but they are the ones who have granted us permission to tell their story and share their photo in a public forum. And for that, we thank them.

Meet Caleb. He is a 29 year old young man who was diagnosed in a diffuse astrocytoma in March of 2023. His gratitude and humility for the little bit of help our foundation could provide to him and his family is so evident in his own words:

"I want to start by thanking you for the opportunity to apply for a grant. I am grateful that you are choosing to use your experience and to honor Libby’s life by supporting others. You know how hard a diagnosis and treatment is, and the possibility of removing some of the financial burden is so encouraging. I am the sole provider of income for my family, and I have been working full time throughout all of my treatment. It has been challenging to juggle appointments, treatment side effects, and work. I have access to unpaid and reduced pay leave, but I have been limiting my use of them because I worry about covering my upcoming medical bills.

This grant would allow me to take some much needed medical leave so that I can rest and recuperate without having to worry about not having enough money to cover an ER visit or MRI. It would help relieve some of the burden of trying to take care of not only myself, but also my family during this difficult chapter of my life. Again, thank you so much for providing me this opportunity to apply for a grant. Thank you and the rest of your board for this generous award! I am so incredibly grateful. This will have a huge impact on me and my family for the rest of treatment. I feel like I can actually take proper care of myself. One of my weights has lifted off.

After dealing with insurance and medical hoops this past year, I am not used to anything happening fast. Again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You have blessed us so much during this hard time."

Meet Mamon and his wife, Panisa. When Panisa granted us permission to post their story and their photo publicly, she sent us this beautiful photo of their wedding day. She explained it is photo of their marriage party in her home country of Thailand and notes “we were so happy.”

Mamon & Panisa recently arrived in the US in 2022. It was not shortly after their arrival that they ended up in the ER and Mamon was diagnosed with a glioblastoma. The social worker at the hospital graciously contacted our foundation to see if we could lend some support to this lovely, young couple. Panisa noted that the grant would take some of the pressure off of her to have to work full time and provide caregiving for her husband when he requires it.

Meet Winston. He’s a 3 year old little guy who clearly loves his Daddy (and his Mommy too).

Winston and his family recently had their lives thrown into a tailspin. Little Winston was diagnosed in January with what’s called an ependymoma. It is a brain tumor that begins in the ependymal cells in the brain. He suffered a stroke due to the effects of this high grade brain tumor. Winston and his parents spent over a month in the hospital before they were finally able to come home and try to resume their family life. Winston’s mom, Liz, granted us permission to share their story publicly. Their story is so much more than a brain tumor diagnosis in their beautiful child ~ it’s a story about a family with unbelievable resilience in the face of devastation, love without bounds and unwavering perseverance. In Liz’s own words:

"Winston is our only son, and as such, is the center of our family and everything that we do and love. With his heartbreaking diagnosis and complicated health situation, we have been trying to get the equipment we need to continue to keep Winston central to each and every activity that we do as a family. This generous grant would mean so much to us as a family because we would be able to get equipment that would enable Winston to continue to participate and be the center of every activity. We can continue to make meaningful memories together. We will treasure this time together as a family as we cling to hope, strength and faith."

Meet Christian. He is a recent Libby's Hope Foundation grant recipient. He is 15 years old. His mom, Nana, has shared with us that he is an easy going young man who loves Legos, movies, reading, traveling and trying new things. Here is what Nana had to say (she wanted it noted that her first language is not English, but she clearly very proficient!): 

"Christian's brain tumor (astrocytoma) was diagnosed in 2019, he can't see from his left eye, and went through one year of chemo. Relapse in 2020, went through 18 months of chemotherapy. We thought he would be done. Unfortunately, at the end of July 2023, he had a brain bleed, stayed in Pediatric ICU for couple weeks.

I am very grateful that he survived, the brain bleed was caused by his tumor, we were told that his tumor's mutation bleeds easily, there's no way to predict when it would happen again, or it might not happen again, which is the scariest part, the unknown. Christian is now back in the treatment, clinic visits, MRI, blood works, etc. are mentally and physically challenging. I am a single mom, I missed a lot of work, I am lucky to still have the job, but losing hours has become a financial challenge and stressful.

The Libby's Hope Foundation grant would help us to pay rent, other expenses and lots relief. I can't imagine what your family had went through losing Libby, and start her legacy to help unfortunate family like ours. I still remember when the neurosurgeon told me that she had done everything it's needed for Christian that night, we just have to wait, she can't guarantee he was out of the woods, even if he does, he won't be the same, the bleed had caused brain damage.

I went home the next morning to grab some necessary items and his favorite blanket, when I opened the door, our dinners are still on the table unfinished, messy kitchen, because we had to run out to ER. I was lost and scared, I can't think of what I am going to do if anything happens to him.

Miracle happened, he survived!!! He recovered with minor short term memory lost. I'm so grateful for that. We're hoping the treatment will lower the risk of the bleeding and will continue to hope it will never happen."

Meet Zoey. She is a 22 year old young woman who happens to be dealing with a lot in her young life. Most of us get to live out and remember our 20's as a carefree, find-where-I-stand-in-this-crazy-world time in our lives. Or at least that's how the 20-something years should be spent.

Zoey was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2022. Due to medical insurance barriers, she received no other treatment other than brain surgery for tumor resection. She is now dealing with a tumor that has reoccurred and is undergoing treatment.

This is what Zoey had to say in her own words about her situation: "right now, I'm on disability and I only get enough to pay rent. I've been doing almost everything on my own and this grant would really, really help me out."

Zoey has graciously given us permission to publicly share her story. When you support our organization, it allows us to continue to provide the much-needed support to people like Zoey, who instead of dealing with all the medical issues, should be able to be living out her carefree young adulthood. She remains positive and hopeful about her future which is a true (and inspiring) testament to the type of person she is.

Meet Soleil. Soleil is the youngest of three children and she is three years old. Soleil’s name means sun and it is the most fitting name for her. She is a light, a joy, perfection. Soleil has an ear for rhythm and music and loves to sing. When a good song comes on, Soleil brings the dance moves. She has the cutest hip sway and shoulder shrug. She enjoys all things Disney and loves to dress up. Soleil has the determination and ambition that children born third tend to have.

Soleil is fighting brain cancer for the second time. She is currently receiving chemotherapy 6 days a month and has 6 weeks of proton radiation in the near future. Soleil's Mom, Christinia, says the grant will provide tremendous financial relief for our family and gives thanks for the support.

Meet Lily. She is a sweet 2 year old little girl and a Libby's Hope Foundation grant recipient. Lily is battling a rare type of pediatric brain cancer, called an Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT). She had a total of five brain surgeries in just under four weeks. But Lily is so much more than what she and her family have been dealing with medically.

Meet Avery. She is a 9 year old girl who was diagnosed in 2022 with a type of brain tumor called an anaplastic ependymoma. Her mom, Ashley, describes her girl as smart, sweet and fiercely bright.

Ashley recently described what the support of Libby's Hope Foundation means to their family:

"You are truly making a difference for families going through brain cancer. Having this diagnosis was devastating but having support by so many going through this has helped a lot. We are reminded everyday what a wonderful, caring and loving community we have. Your generous donation will help us financially and provide food during this difficult time. Thank you so much.

Just knowing that there are other families out there going through the same thing that we are and knowing that they're fighting just as hard as we are keeps us going every day. Experiencing the stress, the lack of sleep and depression. As parents, we try to hide that so we can be the most positive, energetic and happiest support system for our child's needs during this time. We may lie and say it's okay. We appreciate the extended support from all the genuinely caring people. We deeply appreciate you. Your love and support gives us strength and hope! Sometimes we cannot shine so brightly in our own strength, but God sends us someone to shine for us. We will fight this hard battle in our lives no matter what."

Meet Jacob. He is an amazingly strong and positive 10 year old boy who was recently diagnosed with an ependymoma brain tumor. His story is best told by his mom, Katie:

"On behalf of Jacob, I'd be happy to give a little background on his and our journey so far and how the grant would help our family. On May 15th, our world was completely turned upside-down when our son, Jacob, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Thanks to the incredible team at Doernbecher, only two days later, they were able to remove all visible tumor cells from his MRI. Unfortunately, after the biopsy, we were later informed that the cells are cancerous and would require Jacob to undergo 7 weeks of proton radiation in Seattle, 200 miles away from home, to help mitigate the chance of the cancer growing back in the future.

We continue to be amazed by his resilience and ability to stay positive through this wild journey that no one, no less a child, should ever have to experience. While we are fortunate to have insurance pay for the major bills so far, this grant would be a huge blessing to us as we get adjusted to life in Seattle while also traveling home as much as possible to be with our 7 year old daughter and 1 year old son who are staying with grandparents."

Meet Thomas. He is an 8 year old boy with a contagious and beautiful smile. His Mom, Ramona, says that even during his chemotherapy treatments, Thomas always has a big smile on his face. He lets everyone know he is fighting with a smile. This family is originally from Guam and they call Thomas their 'Island Warrior.'

Ramona lost her first child to brain cancer. Her daughter was only 7 years old when she passed away. But her heartache didn't stop there. Her second child was diagnosed with, and fought off, brain cancer three times. He was later diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. He was 14 when he passed away. Their story is inconceivable and unfathomable in so many ways. It is also a story about grit and hope, in the face of impossible grief and loss. These are Thomas' Mom's words, who is clearly an amazing, amazing woman:

"Hello. My name is Ramona Borja and my son Thomas John is diagnosed with Medullablastoma (Brain Cancer) and also a history of Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency Syndrome. Earlier last year, when doctors found the mass in his brain (lower left side) and confirmed it was a tumor (the same one my daughter Fatiana Hope and son AJ had, it broke our hearts). I wasn’t able to keep working and missing so many days off, because of treatments and appointments. I made the decision to quit my job for now, until Thomas’s treatments are complete and he’s better. It’s been so hard for us since. Your grant will help us in so many ways. It will relieve some of the weight off my shoulders, worries and stress, so I am able to focus on Thomas’s treatments. I cry at night just thinking and trying to figure things out and how we’ll be able to make it for the next few weeks, before bills are out again. I know Thomas sees my worries and I try not to, because I don’t want him to worry. That’s my job. I want him to be worry free and be happy, just the way he’s supposed to be. Receiving your grant will be a huge help in our lives. We’ve been struggling with rent payments, power bills, gas and some house necessities. It’s a struggle, but I’m not giving up hope. I believe there are amazing people out there who are willing to help. And hearing about your organization gives us hope. We hope and pray your organization is able to help us in any way possible. Thank you so much."

UPDATE: Thomas is currently undergoing treatment.

Meet Theo. He is an adventurous and playful 6 year old boy and a Libby's Hope Foundation grant recipient. Theo is currently battling a type of pediatric brain cancer, which is called a Medulloblastoma. Theo's mom, Connie, said this about what receiving a grant has meant to their family:

"A Libby's Hope Foundation grant will help our family by helping pay our rent, gas and groceries. It will help us focus more on Theo with chemo coming up. Having one income has been really tough and can't thank Libby's Hope enough for the help."

UPDATE: Theo is currently undergoing treatment. He is happy to be back home with his mom, dad and siblings.

Meet Leo. He is a 13 year old boy and a recent Libby's Hope Foundation grant recipient. Leo is currently battling a type of pediatric brain cancer, which is called a Medulloblastoma. Leo's story is best told by his mom, Laura:

"Leo is a sweet, caring and loving 13 year old boy. Leo is a 7th grader, who lives with me (mom) and younger sister (Marvid) who is 10 years old. Leo has a passion for music and horror movies. Despite the fact that Leo is a teenager now, he loves and enjoys spending time with his sister. They have such a great bond and they both protect each other.

Our journey started on January 18th 2023, when Leo was admitted to an acute care unit at Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland, Oregon. The doctors found a tumor in the back of his head and we were told that he needed brain surgery to remove the tumor. A week later, he was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma. He had brain surgery and the surgeon was able to remove all of the tumor that was visible, but Leo will need radiation and chemotherapy.

Due to the size and area where the tumor was found, his brain suffered some damage. We still don't know if it will be permanent or temporary but at the moment, he is not able to walk, his speech is damaged and other significant problems. This devastating event in my son's life has made a huge impact in our life, specifically to his 10 year old little sister who has been staying at the hospital with me and Leo for the past 3 weeks that he has been hospitalized. Doctors and nurses allowed her to stay with us because she brings comfort to Leo. Treatment, medication and all medical bills related to his brain cancer will be covered by his insurance, but I don't know when I will be able to go back to work and I do need to cover for all of our family expenses, bills and rent. This grant definitely will help us cover some of those expenses. Thank you for your consideration.

Meet Tannis. She is a 57 year old mother of four. She was diagnosed with breast cancer that had metastasized to her brain in February of 2022. Here is what she said recently about what receiving a grant meant to her and her family:

“Reading the story about your beautiful daughter/sister was very touching. She seemed like an amazing young lady who impacted so many lives in such a positive way. I believe she would be happy you are keeping her memory and legacy alive with the foundation in her honor.

This year, I had a brain tumor removed. I missed over four months of work, and my employer dropped me from both the payroll, and the employer sponsored medical insurance, since my recovery extended beyond the 12 week, Family Medical Leave Act provisions. I was able to use the grant money to pay my COBRA, to keep my insurance benefits intact. 

Receiving the grant from Libby's Hope was a true blessing for me, because I have a team of doctors, that I trust, and that have taken excellent care of me. If I had not received the grant, I may have had to go on public assistance for medical insurance, and that may have meant having to seek out a new team of doctors. It would have been an overwhelming task as I have several providers; an oncologist, a hematology oncology specialist, a neurologist, a neurosurgeon, a radiologist, etc. The list goes on to include my general family practitioner and others as well.

As a single mom, the grant funds also allowed me to pay rent and keep food on the table for me and my children as well. I am so very thankful for the generosity of Libby's Hope Foundation.

UPDATE: Tannis continues to do well. She recently said: "you will be glad to know, that at the last meeting with my oncologist, he reviewed my imaging and there are no other metastasis anywhere in my body. He said that I'm in prevention mode now! I also returned back to work last week, and I am feeling good. I am now optimistic and on the upswing! THANK YOU again for your generosity in the name of your precious daughter. I have three beautiful girls myself, and I cannot imagine the grief and loss you have been through. Take comfort in the fact that my four children will have their momma around a bit longer.”

Meet Darryl. He is a recent Libby's Hope Foundation grant recipient. Darryl was diagnosed in February 2018 with an anaplastic astrocytoma, grade III. When asked about how a grant would impact his life, his words deeply touched us and are very profound. He said: 

"My daughter is due to get married next June, but that may be accelerated. My intent is to give her a wedding gift of deep meaning, but not a lot of expense, obviously. When it comes to me what that gift might be, I would spend some portion of the $2500 on that. I know that is somewhat indulgent, but it is what I would do. Just putting that out there." 

We love that in some small way, Libby's Hope Foundation has the honor and privilege of helping him to get his daughter a beautiful and meaningful wedding gift.

UPDATE: Darryl continues to do well. In recent email contact, he said "I must say this--I think almost daily about you and what you do and how much it means. NOT how much it's worth (which is incalculable), but how much it MEANS, and if I ever win the lottery you will be able to add a zero to what you do. I think about more than what you do--I think about what you've been through. In some ways this is tougher on the people on your side of the table. I know that."

{The other one in the picture, his name is Walter. He just seems to always be around}