Help Sofia Beat Cancer

Hi, I'm Valaree Gonzalez and I'm starting this fundraiser for one of my dearest friends, Serena Rubio and her family. Serena and her husband Miguel received some terrible news this month about their 5 year old daughter, Sofia. A parent’s greatest fear; Sofia was diagnosed with an aggressive malignant brain tumor (Medulloblastoma).

On the 3rd of June, after having headaches, vomiting and losing feeling on one side of her face, Sofia was taken to the hospital. It was discovered that Sofia had a build up of fluid in her brain. She was airlifted to Madera Valley Children’s Hospital where she underwent five surgeries and procedures. First, the medical team drained the fluid build up which was necessary to perform a MRI. The MRI showed a tumor on the back of her brain. 

Another surgery, lasting nearly 12 hours, was performed in an attempt to remove the tumor. After discovering it was malignant, they went back to try to remove the rest, where they got over 90% of it out. However, Sofia still wasn’t able to successfully cycle the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), so she needed to have yet another surgery to put in a shunt. She developed Posterior Fossa Syndrome, which causes difficulty with communication and motor skills, prompting her to be placed on a feeding tube. Sofia will need chemotherapy, radiation, more surgeries, and will be transferred to either San Diego or Oakland, CA for continuum care (location is dependent on the specific type/aggression of the tumor).

Understandably, Serena and her family are going through a tough time processing this unimaginable news. I'm asking for donations to help relieve some of the stress, financial burden, and worry for this young family. Donations will be used for the many expenses such as travel, food, and upkeep of home expenses/bills. Sofias parents have been unable to attend work and have not left her side during her battle. Your donations and prayers are greatly appreciated. Thank you!