Letter from Hospital Social Worker: Dear supporters of Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation:
This letter is on behalf of the family of Neithan. Neithan is a sweet, 7-year-old boy with autism that was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor, on October 18, 2024, in his home country of Honduras. Neithan started to present with gait issues, vomiting, and neck rigidity for 3 days when his family took him to the hospital. Neithan had a subtotal resection of the tumor in Honduras and had a ventricular shunt placed to treat hydrocephalus. Neithan had a hard time in the hospitals in Honduras due to lack of resources and his autism diagnosis. Neithan’s hospital experience was very traumatic for him. Neithan is non-verbal and unable to express his feelings or say when he has pain. The medical team in Honduras told Neithan’s mom that due to the complexity of his case and autism diagnosis they did not recommend going through with any treatment as and refused to treat him. Neithan’s mother explored other options and came to Miami seeking a second opinion, having to leave her 10-year-old daughter and husband behind in Honduras due to limited resources.
Upon arrival at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, an MRI showed that the cancer had spread to the spine, and he was also experiencing a shunt malfunction. Neithan had to have a shunt revision on 12/21/2024. It was extremely difficult for Neithan to adjust to this new environment and being away from his father and sister. Neithan’s mother shared that she had distant cousins in the area but unfortunately, they reported to her that they would not be able to help her, and she would need to find her own lodging arrangements.
Thankfully, due to Neithan’s treatment plan, they were eligible for charitable lodging assistance. Neithan started radiation treatment at Miami Cancer Institute and thankfully had a good response per his MRI in April 2025. Neithan started on ACNS 0332 high risk protocol on April 14, 2025. Since starting chemotherapy treatment, Neithan is admitted for 3 weeks at a time, each month. Unfortunately, chemotherapy affects Neithan’s ability to eat and immune system which delays his recovery. Neithan’s mother is the primary caregiver at bedside and unemployed. The hospital admissions and outpatient follow ups cause financial strain due to transportation needs and food insecurity. Neithan is a picky eater and does not eat hospital food, so his mother must spend money on transport to go home and cook meals for him during admissions or order food from UberEATS for him to eat. Additionally, there is an expense for Neithan and his mother to maintain charitable lodging.
Neithan and his mother would benefit greatly from financial support with groceries and transportation. Neithan is close to finishing his chemotherapy protocol and has an MRI scheduled for next month to determine if he will need additional treatment. Despite how harsh treatment has been on Neithan, he continues to surprise us with his resilience and intelligence. Neithan’s mother is a strong advocate for Neithan and thankfully has found community with other pediatric oncology patients and their families. Thank you for assisting this family.
Yessenia F. Moreno, MSW, RCSWINicklaus Children’s Hospital
Plea from Mother: Neithan is a 7-year-old child with autism who is nonverbal but with one look speaks more than a thousand words with a strength that does not fit in with his little body. In October 2024, our life changed forever. Neithan was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, stage 4, an aggressive brain cancer, that had already spread to his spine and cerebral spinal fluid.
While in Honduras, the doctors told us that there was nothing to do, and to just wait for the inevitable. But I could not accept that my son’s life would end like that. I could not give up. With my heart in pieces, I took Neithan into my arms, and we traveled to Miami seeking a second opinion, leaving behind my daughter, with the hope of finding an opportunity to save Neithan’s life in Miami.
Since then, Neithan has gone through 6 brain surgeries, harsh proton radiation treatment, and continues with chemotherapy treatment. We have lived longer in the hospital than in our home. I’ve seen Neithan lose weight, lose strength, vomit until he loses his senses but even then, continues to fight. My son who cannot say, “it hurts”, has persevered silently everything that a child should never have to endure.
Thanks to God and the doctors who work tirelessly, the metastasis has disappeared. But there is still part of the tumor in his brain. The battle is not over.
At this time, I have dedicated myself to being his primary caregiver. I am far away from my daughter in Honduras whose being cared by family members. She also needs her mom, and it has torn my soul in two. We live with our bare necessities, struggling day by day to cover basic costs of food, transportation to medical appointments and admissions, clothes, and medications.
The fight has not only been physical but also emotional and financial. There are days where I think this is too hard, but then I see Neithan and I find strength in his silent bravery. He can’t talk but his look yells at me not to give up and I will not.
This is why I am asking for your help. Any help, as small as it may be, helps us move forward. Every single warm regard, word of support, and every single help means the world to us. With all my heart, thank you for believing in my son. Thank you for walking with us through this battle.
Evelyn (Neithan’s mother)
