Help support the Orellana family

Hi everyone! I know a very special family that really needs your help. Mario, Whitney, Sofia, and Diego Orellana live in Valley Center, California, and they are our friends and neighbors. Their 7-year-old daughter was recently diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare, aggressive brain tumor primarily affecting children aged 5–10. It originates in the pons, a part of the brainstem controlling vital functions like breathing and heart rate. DIPG is inoperable due to its location and diffuse nature. Median survival is 9–11 months, with less than 10% of patients surviving two years. There are only 200-300 new cases in the US each year! 

Sofia is currently undergoing radiation treatment at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego and, depending on the testing results, may have the opportunity to be involved in a clinical trial in Stanford.

Her family is with her 24/7, and her father, who is a farm worker and sole breadwinner, is desperately trying to spend as much time with Sofia. That said, bills still have to be paid, and the family is struggling financially to make ends meet since they are staying in San Diego for her treatments. Through the generous help of the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Children’s Miracle Network, Sofia can be close to the hospital with her family during her radiation treatments that will last weeks.

Please help the Orellanas with whatever you can afford. They are a very proud family, hardworking and loving. They didn’t ask me to do this, but I saw how they are in need. I have so many fortunate family and friends that I know will help them.

Sofia is a very special girl and she is the reason we met the family. Matt met her dad when he was leaving our driveway one day. Mario waved to him from across the street and mentioned how his 6-year-old daughter loved his Cybertruck. She knew all sorts of facts and it was quite impressive for a 6-year-old! Matt offered to drive her and her dad around only if Mario would let our daughter, Isabella, pet his cows (jokingly). Mario asked how old our daughter was. Matt replied, 21. Both of them laughed and a friendship started.

Sofia is a very active 7 year old who loves playing soccer, swimming, legos, playing outside, visiting places with her family, playing with her little brother and riding her bike and scooter. Sofia has also been quite an artist and loves to make crafts.

Her diagnosis has shattered the hearts of her family, friends, and neighbors. We all know that the road ahead will be difficult and we are asking you to please donate what you can to help them through.

Please note that GoFundMe automatically adds a tip, which is optional. This tip goes to GoFundMe, not Sofia’s family and can be reduced to zero. 

Thank you everyone and God bless you all! 

Antonella Forestieri