Heroes for Children - Testimonials

As written by the parents of our heroes.

New testimonials as of December 2007

--Alexis

"Alexis was born on June 2, 2004. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma on April 18, 2007. She was two years old. Neuroblastoma is a rare form of childhood cancer that develops in the form of tumors with the body. This is also a very aggressive cancer, which has a high rate of returning once in remission.

Alexis' tumor grew on her adrenal gland. It eventually covered most of her stomach, traveled through her lymphnodes, and grew another tumor in her chest. She also had a tumor on each shoulder, each leg, one on her skull, and in her bone marrow. After five courses of chemotherapy, the humor in her stomach shrunk to the size of a grapefruit. She had a successful five hour surgery to remove it. This resulted in the removal of her left kidney as well. Since then, she has had four more successful surgeries. Although she has been a trooper through it all, she still has a long road ahead of her. Since Alexis was diagnosed, our lives has changed drastically. I am a single mother of two, and I am not able to work like I used to, due to long stays in the hospital. I had to give up my apartment and move in with family. Having a child with cancer took a toll on me in every aspect to physical to financial. However, I can say that Heroes for Children has been a tremendous help for us financially! I am very grateful for this organization, and I hope and pray Heroes will be provided with the funds they need to continue to help families with situations similar to ours."

--Xavier

"My son was diagnosed with cancer in September 2007. As a result, I had to take a leave of absence. I'm a single mother and two teen boys depend on me. So, all of a sudden, our whole life changed completely! I had no money to my bills and I could not depend on my parents since both of them are very ill.

We were sent to San Antonio, TX to Christus Santa Rosa Hospital. There, God heard our prayers and sent us guardian angels. One of them is Mrs. Laura Worsham, our case worker. She was the one that told me about Heroes for Children and that the organization would help with my house payment. At that moment, I was speechless! And after that, my son received a laptop from Heroes for Children. We could not find the words to thank the people who help and donated this gift to my son. All I can say is thank you and may God bless you each and every one in Heroes for Children"

--Christopher

"Christopher was diagnosed with leukemia (ALL) in June 7, 2007. He is now going under intensive chemotherapy. but thanks to God, he seems to be doing fine. He is a very bright boy who doesn't give up in fighting this disease. I would like too thank you for helping us in this difficult time. "

--Jylena

"First, I want to gratefully thank you for your assistance. My daughter Jylena was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on December 4, 2006. It all started in September of 2006. Jylena had fell at school playing volleyball. I didn't know until a couple of weeks had gone by. I noticed she was limping, so I took her to a doctor. The doctor told me she was fine. But her knee hurt when she touched it. So a few more weeks went by, and the knee swelled to a point where she couldn't put her jeans on. So I took her back to the doctor. The doctor sent us to Southwest Memorial for x-rays. Later that day, the doctor called and said that Jylena needed to get a MRI and a CT scan. Being on medicaid, you have to provide verification for that. It took me more than a month to even get verification for one! To make a long story short, my daughter's leg started to look like the only thing holding it together was the skin. And that's when I decided to take her to Texas Children. Out of all the doctors we had seen and all the hospital visits, no one had ever told me it was cancer. And the doctors at Texas Children's told me if I would have waited any longer I would have lost her. I don't know what I would have done if that had happened. Jylena had to get a total knee replacement and five inches of her thigh bone resected. Chemo was finished at the end of October 2007. Jylena's trying to get her self back to normal, as she says, but I know nothing will ever be the same again. It has to get better!"

--Tresman

"Your organization is a blessing to many families. There are no words to explain how I, and I'm sure the rest you've helpful, am so very grateful. I've been on a complete roller coaster ride! My 15 year old son, Tresman, lost his left leg to clear-cell sarcoma. He's now in remission! I'm trying my best to get back to a normal life. Thank you so much for your support!"

--Sebastian

"My name is Tula. I have a 5 year old son with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. he is a wonderful song--so strong and so courageous. His spirit is big and his faith is the most powerful thing that he has to defeat his cancer. He is so sweet, and the most loving son. He loves to go to school and loves to cook. He wants to be a chef when he grows up! He loves swimming and asks when he can go again. Thank you for your support and your time. Sebastian is our second child. His siblings are Antonio, 10 years, and Larizza, 2 years. Our best wishes for you and your families."