Sophia is a sweet 8-year-old girl in third grade, who loves to play with her cat, Happy. She is the youngest of three, but the strongest and bravest (and tallest) of them all! She is very crafty and loves to draw unicorns and cats. She is independent and loves her Starbucks. 

When Sophia was only 3, she had lots of bruises that never cleared up. Her mother, Guadalupe, noticed she was low on energy and slept a lot, so she requested a blood test. Guadalupe says it was the best thing she could've done because Sophia was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). She immediately needed about three blood transfusions and platelets. “It was the worst day of my life, and I never wish to relive it or think about it. However, I'm glad that I had the test done because it saved my baby’s life. I still have her here with me today,” said Guadalupe. 

Sophia started chemotherapy and had her port placed. She’s had lots of lumbar punctures and chemo treatments, as well as one port replacement due to infection. 

Guadalupe hopes and prays that once Sophia's treatment is done that she no longer has leukemia and cancer doesn't come back. She wants Sophia to be cancer-free forever.

Her mom says Sophia is her superhero, because she is the bravest little girl. Sophia took her medicine without giving anyone a hard time and she sat at the hospital patiently. It seemed as if she knew these things will make her better, so she didn't mind doing them. Today, Sophia is in remission, reading and doing mathematics at her grade level. She has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) at school that has helped her tremendously because it was more difficult for Sophia to understand lessons due to side effects of her chemo treatments.

Sophia still has regular oncology appointments for blood counts, but now they are three months apart. She’s come a long way from when she used to go in twice a week. She is not taking any medications and is caught up with all her vaccinations.

Guadalupe wants others who may have recently received a childhood cancer diagnosis to know that it takes a lot of patience. Nobody knows what it feels like. They try to help, but it’s you that is there for your child the most. You have to encourage them, and stay strong for them. They see your strength which gives them hope and strength as well.

"Cancer is horrible and I wish no kid had to get sick like this ever!!" - Sophia

Information provided by Guadalupe Garcia, Sophia’s mother
Updated October 2019