Cilenia’s Journey with Neuroblastoma

A couple months ago my niece Cilenia began experiencing nervous system dysfunctions that displayed new movements of the limbs and eyes, abnormal behaviors, sleep dysregulation, the inability to walk, and difficulty talking. The spinal tap/MRI at the time signified that it was nothing serious and were told that it could have been from a common viral infection that led to acute cerebellar ataxia and would resolve within 2-3 weeks. Fast forward to June 19th, Cilenias symptoms worsened and the happy, joyful baby that she usually is, was no longer there. On June 21st, a full body CT scan revealed that she has a tumor in her right kidney that will require surgery. She is currently undergoing a series of diagnostic tests to determine the stage and progression of her condition and she will be having surgery June 29th.

During this time Cilenia needs her mom and while the length of the hospital stays are unknown, I’m here today asking, humbly, for any help that you may give including prayer. As a mother, the fear of the unknown is near debilitating and I would like to take as much financial burden off of their plate as this will require time off from work so they are able to focus and be present for the baby. This will help cover fundamentals like home bills, groceries, and any supplies the baby will need during this time. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Hola, mi nombre es Cilenia y tengo un año y medio de edad. Hace dos meses mi cuerpecito comenzo a reaccionar de una forma diferente, haciendo movimientos involuntarios, perdí mi equilibrio hasta deje de caminar. Anduve en varios hospitales de Los Ángeles para un diagnóstico, pero solo decían que era un virus  común y que a la semana estaría bien. Estuve muy feliz de vuelta en casita pero desgraciadamente mi salud empeoró; el día de ayer en un hospital de Oregon me diagnosticaron Neuroblastoma en las glándulas suprarrenales (cancer en el riñón). El próximo Jueves 29 de Junio seré sometida a una cirugía para extraer el tumor, aún siguen haciendo pruebas para ver si el cancer no se ha propagado y para determinar los tratamientos que serán necesarios. Todo este proceso requiere de mucho tiempo en el hospital tanto para mis padres y familiares, así que mis papis dejarán de asistir a trabajar para estar acompañándome porque los necesito conmigo.

Si pudieran cooperar con ayuda monetaria para esta causa se los agradeceríamos mucho mi familia y yo.

Thank you from the apex of my heart. God Bless.