As a mom, nothing prepares you to hear that your child has cancer, especially one with no cure.
This spring, our 11 year old son David received his school’s “Hope Award,” given to the student who never gives up. At the time, we were proud and we had no idea how deeply those words would come to define the fight ahead.
Just a few weeks later, David was diagnosed with Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) a rare, aggressive, and incurable brain cancer.
Our world shifted in an instant. And now, I’m doing what any parent would do. Reaching out with everything I have to ask for help, to ask for time to find a cure, and to ask for hope.
Meet David
David is kind, thoughtful, and always thinking of others. Even now, he worries more about us than himself. He’s passionate about everything he does and has a strong spirit we like to call his fire. It’s that determination, that spark in him, that keeps him pushing forward no matter what.
He loves playing soccer, riding his bike, math, Pokémon (especially Bulbasaur), and gaming with friends. He brings so much heart, laughter, and light into our lives.
When It All Changed
In April 2025, David started having symptoms that looked like migraines; headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Since migraines run in our family, we didn’t think much of it at first. But after a visit to the ER, a CT scan revealed a mass on his brain.
Things moved fast. By the next week, David underwent surgery to biopsy the tumor. The procedure caused the tumor to grow, and pathology confirmed the worst: it was a grade 4 glioma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer.
There was no time to wait. That same week, David began radiation and chemotherapy.
David’s Strength and His Sister’s Love
For six weeks, we made the daily drive from Colorado Springs to Denver, over an hour each way, so David could get treatment. All he wanted was to sleep in his own bed, go to school when he could, play soccer with his friends, and attend music lessons. He wanted to feel normal, even while battling something no child should ever have to face.
At home, his 9-year-old sister has been his biggest cheerleader. She’s handled this with so much quiet strength, even when it’s hard to understand what’s happening. Their bond has never been stronger and we’re trying our best to help both of our children hold on to hope.
What Happens Next
Radiation is ending now, but the hardest part is just beginning.
We’ve learned that there is no standard treatment for DMG and no cure. Our only hope now is to pursue Clinical Trials. But none of them available are in Colorado. Some are out of state, and one that gives us the most hope is in Canada.
Some of these trials require enrollment within 30 days of completing radiation. The clock is already ticking.
We’re now facing a race against time, and an impossible financial burden. Just to access the one thing we can still fight for: a chance for a cure.
Why We’re Asking for Help
We are doing everything we can to get David to a clinical trial that may offer more hope. But we can’t do it alone. Your support will help cover:
- Travel and lodging for out-of-state or international clinical trials
- Medical expenses not covered by insurance
- Transportation and daily living costs while away from home
- Meals, childcare, and support during treatment
- Ongoing care for David and our family during this fight
David’s prognosis without further treatment is 13–16 months. But we’re not giving up. We believe in hope. We believe in David. We believe in a cure.
How You Can Help
Every single donation, no matter the amount, makes a difference.
If you can’t donate, we ask that you share David’s story with your community. Your voice might help reach the next person who can help us keep going.
And more than anything, we ask that you keep David, his sister, and our family in your thoughts and prayers. Please be strong for us. Be like David. Don’t lose hope.
Thank You
We are beyond grateful for our village & for the friends, family, and even strangers who have lifted us up through this unimaginable journey.
Your kindness gives us strength. Your support gives us options. Your love helps carry us through.
Thank you for standing with us as we fight for David.
#HopeForDavid #DMGWarrior #NeverLoseHope
