After emergency brain surgery, 10-year-old Itai (Itai Ben Miriam) is beginning a long fight against brain cancer. Your support will help his family stay afloat during 18 months of treatment.

Every parent fears hearing the words, “your child has a brain tumor.” On February 11, 2026, that nightmare became reality for this family.

Just weeks earlier, a devoted single mom was living a normal, happy life raising her two children — a teenage daughter and her energetic, spunky 10-year-old son, Itai. But for months, Mom’s instincts told her something wasn’t right. Her normally joyful and active boy began experiencing debilitating symptoms that no one could explain. Despite doctor visits, testing, and even an MRI months earlier that appeared normal, his symptoms continued to worsen. He struggled to attend school regularly and could no longer participate in the activities he loved.

Trusting her intuition, Mom brought him to the Children’s Hospital emergency room for answers.

That visit changed everything.

A new MRI revealed a brain tumor, and within hours the family was told Itai needed immediate brain surgery.

On February 12, 2026, this incredibly brave 10-year-old underwent a craniotomy. In the best news the family could hope for in such a terrifying moment, the neurosurgeon was able to achieve a complete resection of the tumor.

After two weeks in the hospital and showing remarkable strength through recovery, Itai was finally able to return home. Soon after, the diagnosis was confirmed: Medulloblastoma, a childhood brain cancer.

Just two weeks later, he began the next phase of his fight.

His treatment plan includes six weeks of daily radiation therapy (Monday through Friday) along with weekly chemotherapy, followed by a short break before beginning the long road of chemotherapy that will last 12–18 months.

Despite everything he has already endured, Itai continues to show incredible courage and resilience far beyond his years. Even in the hospital, he continues to smile, joke, and show the strength of a true little warrior.

Doctors are very optimistic about his recovery, and the family is holding tightly to that hope every single day.

Right now, Mom’s focus is helping her son heal, getting him to daily treatments, and supporting her teenage daughter through this life-changing experience. But the financial reality of this journey has become overwhelming. Daily drives to treatment, medical co-pays, gas, food, and everyday living expenses are quickly adding up. Because of the time required for appointments and caregiving, Mom’s ability to work has been drastically reduced.

As a single parent caring for a child undergoing intensive cancer treatment, staying financially afloat during the next 18 months of treatment has become incredibly difficult.

Your support will help cover rent, basic living expenses, gas for daily hospital trips, medical co-pays, food, and caring for the family during this challenging time, allowing Mom to focus on what matters most — helping Itai fight cancer and heal.

While the road ahead will be long, the family remains hopeful and grateful for the incredible doctors caring for Itai and for the love and support surrounding them.

They are leaning on the strength of their community during this incredibly difficult time and are so grateful for any support, prayers, and kindness along the way.

If you are able to help — whether through a donation or simply by sharing this page — you will be making a meaningful difference in helping this family stay afloat while they focus on Itai’s healing and recovery.

From the bottom of their hearts, thank you for being part of Itai’s village and helping this brave boy through the fight of his life. ❤️

#DefyWithItai