Friends, Family & Supporters, 

It is with great sadness that I ask for all of us to come together to support my sister & her family - Korina & Aaron to navigate the devastating diagnosis of DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) for their handsome & loving 6 year old son & my nephew, Baby Aaron. 

In early October of 2023, Aaron's parents took him to the hospital for what seemed like a quick hospital visit. Aaron had been suffering from some neurological symptoms and his parents just wanted to hear from a doctors mouth that Aaron was just experiencing something common in boys his age to ease their concern. After different imaging tests and involvement of many specialized teams - Aaron's parents heard the worst news any parent could experience in their situation. Aaron was diagnosed with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma). DIPG is a highly aggressive brain tumor affecting the brain stem. This tumor is in an inoperable area of Baby Aaron's brain and requires an aggressive, multi therapeutic approach to tame. The prognosis that their parents were given was 6-9 months. The parents are dedicated to find a multi therapeutic approach that will allow them to enjoy their son for many more years to come. They have been searching through the depths of the internet, books, podcasts, blogs, groups, and with friends & family to learn more about what treatments they can implement for their son, Baby Aaron. Through all that research the parents have found promising treatment options for their baby boy but the biggest hurdle has been - how could they afford this? The treatments that are most promising for their child aren't covered by insurance along with the other day to day needs their baby has to maintain his qualify of life the best they can in between treatments. The bills are overwhelming and adding to an already full plate these parents have.. 

Aaron has been so entirely courageous during his now 6 month + battle with DIPG and truly inspires me to enjoy every moment the same way he does. Aaron has a contagious way of being - the way he smiles at you, laughs with you, jokes with you and shows his care with you really makes him a pleasure to be with. Baby Aaron enjoys life. He absolutely loves building legos and is completely obsessed. He loves bluey. He loves his dog Snoopy. He loves watching cartoons with his mom. He loves laughing with his siblings. He loves playing with other kids and making friends. He loves playing his Nintendo switch games. God willing, Aaron will be able to keep doing what he loves for many years to come. 

Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on Baby Aaron's quality of life, enabling Korina & Aaron to focus on creating lasting memories, providing comfort for their precious son and finding him a successful treatment plan which will hopefully help many other DIPG families as well. Additionally, we ask that you share this campaign with your network, helping us reach compassionate hearts who may be willing to join us in this fight.

If you come across any information that may help the family - please share it with us. Any treatment, support, doctor, article, or any bit of information that will help their family reach the goal of finding a treatment plan to stabilize their child's DIPG tumor. 

Thank you for taking the time to read Aaron's story. Together we can make a vast difference in their families life as they are navigating a living nightmare. 

With love, 

Aaron's Aunt - Andrea