Brooklyn Rose DIPG Warrior

Brooklyn was sweeter than honey. Her beautiful smile illuminated every room she was in. Her giggles were music to our ears. She lived in the moment and showed us unconditional love.

 

Reading books to her every night was a must. She loved books involving unicorns, nature, and animals. Her favorite animals were giraffes, rhinos, cats, dogs, and axolotls. She also had a few favorite bugs she looked for when playing outside: butterflies and bees. She loved the outdoors, especially when the weather was nice and cold.

 

In April 2023, at two years old, Brooklyn started to show symptoms. Her parents first noticed a lazy eye that seemed to have appeared overnight. Although her parents saw no other symptoms than subtle signs were present. Brooklyn grew tired quickly for two weeks leading up to her lazy eye. Her mother, Darline, made an eye doctor's appointment the same week it appeared.

 

On April 27, the eye doctor noticed a slight facial drooping with the lazy eye and asked if Brooklyn could walk. That morning, Brooklyn was walking just fine. When the doctor asked Brooklyn to try to walk a straight line, Brooklyn's gait was off. The doctor showed concern and had her mom take her to the emergency room for an MRI.

 

On April 28, 2023, Brooklyn was diagnosed with DIPG (Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma).

 

Two of the worst words any parent can hear are "tumor" and "inoperable."

 

Brooklyn's treatment began at St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital. She received 30 rounds of radiation and a clinical trial drug, Selinexor. On December 28, 2023, her parents learned she was in progression. Although they fought to have Brooklyn on another clinical trial, her body could not handle any more treatments. Her parents decided it was best to

spend their time with her with much love and laughter.

 

Brooklyn showed unbelievable strength, courage, and bravery battling DIPG for nine months as she gained her wings on February 17, 2024. She wouldn't go down without a fight. Now, Brooklyn's parents continue the fight for her by building awareness of DIPG.