Help Dalia Dance: A Fight Against Glioblastoma

On August 9th, in a heart-stopping moment after a summer cheerleading camp, our vibrant 7-year-old Dalia, always full of energy and life, experienced an unfamiliar cheek twitch and faced difficulties that seemed impossible given her picture of health. Dalia, one of the most caring young girls I've ever met, has an innate compassion that shines brightly. She would instinctively hug a crying child, always concerned about other kids in challenging situations. Her laughter is infectious, a testament to her cheerful spirit, and her empathy runs deep, making her stand out even at her tender age. Until that fateful day, she was a budding star in pre-team gymnastics and dance, lighting up every room she entered. The situation took an even more drastic turn when she was urgently airlifted to the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital.

Within a week, on August 16th, surgeons intervened to remove a 4 cm tumor from her brain. While the aftermath left her with total paralysis on the right side and a temporary loss of speech, Dalia's indomitable spirit shone through. Transferred to a specialized therapeutic children's hospital, she made remarkable progress – from taking steps again to reigniting her voice. Every day, she pushes her boundaries, even revisiting her gymnastic routines with that same unyielding determination.

However, the path ahead took a dark turn when we were informed that Dalia's tumor isn't a low-grade glioma, as initially hoped, but a grade 4 pediatric glioblastoma. This aggressive tumor remains enigmatic, with even top-notch physicians in a quandary over its treatment. We are thankful that a consensus was reached on undergoing proton therapy at the NY Proton Center. As a family, we're unwavering in ensuring Dalia receives the best care possible, that may include chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy so she can dance, jump, and laugh again without restraint.

Our family, consisting of her dedicated father, Abdallah Ramini from Jordan, and her caring mother, Vilena Ramini from Russia, has been hit from all sides. Vilena had to cut back on her working hours to be with Dalia. Further exacerbating our circumstances, Dalia's maternal grandmother suffered a stroke while trying to visit from Turkey, and is in the hospital. Meanwhile, her siblings, 10-year-old Omar and 4-year-old Yelina, have been pillars of strength, offering constant love and support.

The battle against pediatric glioblastoma is not only medical but also logistical and emotional. Our life now includes commuting an hour each way from Poughkeepsie, NY to the therapeutic hospital, with parents alternating stays to ensure Dalia always has one of us by her side.

In this fight, where the stakes are love, life, and hope, we reach out for your support. Any assistance, be it financial, logistical, or simply your prayers and good wishes, is invaluable. Join us in the fight to help Dalia dance again, to help her dreams flourish, and to surround her with the love and care she so richly deserves. If you'd prefer to directly contribute to Dalia's ABLE account, please follow these steps:

Visit UgiftABLE.com.

Enter the Ugift code: 24E-P1S.

Provide the gift-giver's name and specify the gift amount.

Complete your donation either through an electronic funds transfer or by sending a check.

With deepest gratitude, The Ramini Family