Aurora R.
Pennsylvania
6 Years Old
Diagnosis: Optic Pathway Gliomas BRAF mutation
Theme - Princesses, especially Princess Aurora
Favorite Colors: Red and Pink
Aurora’s journey began when she was just 3 years old. What started as subtle changes in her vision led to an MRI that changed our lives forever. She was diagnosed with multiple optic pathway gliomas, rare brain tumors that affect the nerves connecting the eyes to the brain. In an instant, our carefree world became filled with hospital visits, specialists, scans, and words no parent ever expects to hear. Despite her diagnosis, Aurora has continued to face every challenge with incredible courage and a smile that inspires everyone she meets.
Shortly after her diagnosis, Aurora began a year of chemotherapy. Throughout treatment she endured countless blood draws, IVs, MRIs, surgeries, blood transfusions, clinic visits, and long days at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. She celebrated completing her first year of treatment and was able to enjoy a brief break before follow-up scans showed that the tumors had begun growing again. Further testing revealed that her tumors carry the BRAF V600E mutation, and she began another year-long course of weekly chemotherapy. Even on the hardest days, Aurora continues to bring joy to those around her. She loves making friends with the nurses who have become like family to us.
Today, Aurora continues her fight one week at a time. She has already shown more strength, bravery, and resilience than most people experience in a lifetime. While cancer has become a part of her story, it does not define who she is. Aurora is a happy, funny, caring little girl who loves to be a pretend princess, playing outside, making new friends, and spending time with her little brother, Parker. She reminds us every day to find joy in the little things and to keep moving forward with hope.
