Letter from Hospital Social Worker:
Dear Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation,
This letter is written on behalf of Luis and his mother Shirley. Luisito’s story is one of strength and hope. Luis was initially diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in December 2019, in his home country of Nicaragua at the age of 5. His original oncologist gave news of unfavorable prognosis, prompting the family to seek treatment and a second opinion in Miami. With the support of their family, they were able to travel to the U.S. seeking a cure. They came to the U.S. by themselves, leaving Luis’s brother and grandparents in Nicaragua; the family does not have any supports in the U.S.
After about 16 months of Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, Radiation, Bone Marrow Transplants, Clinical trials, endless admissions, complications, and follow-ups, he completed his treatment, and the family was able to return home to Nicaragua with follow- ups every 3 months.
Soon after, Luis started to have other symptoms, and a relapse was confirmed to his bones and scull. He underwent surgery for skull mass removal and remains in active treatment. Luis has been enrolled in an MIBG study which requires the family to travel to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York monthly for treatment. The family lacks the financial resources to continue his treatment.
Throughout this process, the family has been undergoing extreme emotional distress, in addition to their finances being drained. Shirley has been unable to work due to the multiple hospitalizations and treatment demands which Luis has endured for so many years. Luis’s family depends on the grandfather’s income to supplement the family’s needs and the monthly travel costs for his treatment have further burdened the family’s already limited income.
We kindly ask that you open your hearts to helping this very deserving family. Luis’s treatment is ongoing, and he and his family continue to fight. Any assistance will be so greatly appreciated by her family during this incredibly challenging time.
Kind regards,Pediatric Social Worker, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
