We are devastated, in complete shock, and we can’t believe we are writing this. Our sweet 9-year-old Milo — Carol’s grandson and Rebecca’s nephew — is in the hospital in Peru after undergoing emergency brain surgery, and our family is asking for your help.

While visiting family in Peru with his parents, Steven and Fabi, and his little sister Rommy, Milo suddenly had a seizure while he was sleeping on the morning of Monday, June 23, 2025. There were no signs that anything was wrong. Just the day before, he was his usual happy, energetic self — laughing, playing, and counting down the days until his 10th birthday, which is just a few weeks away on July 9.

Milo was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered a large brain tumor in his frontal lobe. Within hours, Milo was having emergency brain surgery.

Miraculously, after a six-and-a-half-hour surgery, the surgeons were able to remove 100% of the tumor. It was large and they compared it to the size of an egg. Milo spent several days recovering in the ICU and is now healing in a private room in the hospital, with his parents by his side as they wait to learn what comes next — and whether his continued care and treatment will happen in Peru or back in the States where they live.

At this point, there are still a lot of unknowns, including what kind of cancer it is, whether it has spread, and if he will need chemotherapy and/or radiation.

Since the emergency surgery a few days ago, Milo has been healing well. His doctors are pleased with his progress so far. We have been able to FaceTime him several times, for a short period each time since he is exhausted, but he is showing signs of being himself. His little sister Rommy misses him so much and when her grandparents took her to buy a toy, she picked out a doctor kit so she can make Milo feel better. Our entire family, extended family and friends are all trying to get through every day as best we can so we can fully support Milo, Steven, Fabi and Rommy. Every day is a roller coaster, and it is difficult to navigate with so much uncertainty.

Steven and Fabi have taken immediate leaves from work to care for Milo full-time. While they do have health insurance in the United States, it’s unclear what will be covered — especially with the added complexity of medical care abroad. They are now facing mounting expenses, including:

• out-of-pocket hospital and medical costs

• travel and transportation between hospitals and/or countries

• meals, transportation, and daily needs while staying with family in Peru

• ongoing bills at home

Your support will help ease this burden so Milo’s parents can focus entirely on what matters most — Milo’s recovery and care.

Milo is smart, funny, and full of life. He loves basketball, math, and never misses a chance to beat us all at Monopoly. We can’t wait for the day he’s feeling well enough to do just that.

If you’re able to give, please know that any amount helps — truly. And if you’re not in a position to donate, sharing this page with your community would mean so much. Every share, every message of support, every donation makes a difference.

With love and gratitude,

Carol (aka Baba) & Rebecca (aka Tía Beck)