A Story of Courage, Resilience, and Hope
When Milagros was just 5 years old, her family’s life changed forever. In August of 2023, she was diagnosed with Leucemia linfoblástica aguda (LLA), the most common type of childhood cancer. ALL begins in the bone marrow, where abnormal white blood cells grow uncontrollably and push out the healthy cells the body needs to fight infections.
For Milagros family, the diagnosis came at an especially difficult time. They had recently moved to the U.S. from Mexico, still adjusting to a new language, navigating housing challenges, and finding their footing in a new community. Suddenly, they were thrust into the overwhelming world of childhood cancer, balancing medical treatments, hospital stays, and the emotional toll of an unexpected diagnosis.
Her mom has been by her side for every appointment and hospital stay, while her dad has worked tirelessly to provide for the family. With two other children at home, neighbors stepped in to help, showing just how important community can be in times of hardship.
The road to diagnosis was a confusing and frightening one. At first, doctors thought Milagros simply had low iron levels. She was given medication to raise her iron, but at her follow-up appointment, her levels had dropped even further. Soon after, Milagros began experiencing fever, stomach pain, and fatigue, signs that something more serious was wrong. More tests revealed the devastating truth: she had leukemia.
“When the doctors told me Milagros had leukemia, it felt like the worst day of my life,” her mother recalls. “I felt like I was going to die. You hear that word and think only the worst.”
But alongside the fear came hope. Doctors assured her that there was a treatment plan, and they quickly started Milagros on medication. To everyone’s relief, her body responded well to treatment, and she’s been on the same medication ever since.
The journey has not been easy. Early on, Milagros and her mom spent six straight months in the hospital, separated from her dad and siblings. Since then, she has endured multiple hospital stays ranging from two months to just a few weeks. Now, two years later, Milagros has entered the maintenance phase of treatment, a huge milestone in her fight against cancer.
Today, Milagros is a happy, energetic 7-year-old, full of smiles, laughter, and joy. She recently celebrated her birthday in August, a milestone her family cherishes deeply after all they’ve been through.
Through every challenge, Milagros has shown incredible bravery, and her family has leaned on faith, resilience, and the support of their community. Their journey is a reminder that even in the darkest times, there can still be light, hope, and healing.
ES 
EN 
RU