7-year-old Jocelyn Star wants a Chance at Life

Hi Folks,

My name is Barb Kleber and I am trying to raise money for my Grandaughters best friend, they are closer than sisters! Jocelyn Star, is very sick...

All Jocelyn wanted to do this fall was to go to school for the very first time! Kindergarten was at home last year due to Covid, this year would have been First Grade. She wanted to ride the school bus with her best friend, Aaliyah the two of them are like sisters sharing everything from toys, clothes, books just about everything... you name it these two share it!!!!

Jocelyn Star Laurel was diagnosed with DIPG which is a type of tumor that starts in the brain stem, the part of the brain just above the back of the neck and is connected to the spine. The brain stem controls breathing, heart rate, and the nerves and muscles that help us see, hear, walk, talk and eat. These tumors are called gliomas because they grow from glial cells, a type of supportive cell in the brain.

The most common symptoms related to DIPG include the following:

Problems with balance and walking

Problems with the eyes (including double vision, drooping eyelids, uncontrolled eye movements, blurred vision)

Problems with chewing and swallowing

Nausea and vomiting

Morning headache or headache that gets better after the child vomits

Facial weakness or drooping (usually one side)

Unfortunately, the survival rate for DIPG remains very low. At this time there is no cure for this tumor.

She is the sweetest little girl! Jocelyn loves playing barbies with Aaliyah, reading stories with her big sister Carly, and tormenting her brother Ethan, that’s what brothers are for… right. And let’s not forget water-balloon fights!! The whole family participates and the neighbors too!!

Jocelyn’s parents are setting out on a journey to save their daughter. They are hoping that Children’s Hospitals that are doing experimental treatments can help them. Ashley and Carlos, Jocelyn’s parents, and her brother and sister need our help! Along with the huge medical bills, there will be extensive hotel stays, food, and the care of Carly and Ethan, Joshie’s older brother and sister.

Carly and Ethan are devastated, this is their baby sister! Unfortunately, they must remain home… there is school. Ashley and Carlos need to support all of their children, Carly and Ethan need someone to take care of them while Mom and Dad try to save their baby sister, and this costs money.

If you can donate anything, even a dollar will help! Look in the faces of your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and think of 7-year-old Jocelyn, she needs her community! She needs you to live… to go to school, play with friends, a boyfriend, a prom… everything we take for granted!

Please help us… Help Joshie!