Pets n Story

The past month and a half has been a period that no parent ever wants to hear about: a diagnosis that turns your world upside down.

When Cylus received the news, he was still the energetic, curious, and joyful child we had always known. Yet suddenly, he was faced with a challenge far beyond anything a child should ever endure.

Even in those early days, Cylus’s resilience was clear. While we, as parents, struggled with fear and uncertainty, he maintained his spirit.

He continued to smile, play, and find joy in little things. For him, each day was not a reminder of hardship but a chance to explore, laugh, and fight. His courage became our anchor, giving us strength we didn’t know we had.

Today, we reached a monumental milestone in Cylus’s journey.

 He successfully completed his bone marrow harvest—a critical step in his treatment. This procedure required weeks of preparation: careful planning with his medical team, constant attention to his health, and ongoing emotional support to keep him calm and confident. Every detail had to be perfect.

The most incredible part? The harvest was completed in a single collection, and the team collected double the volume needed.

 Hearing this news brought tears to my eyes. Cylus has often been described as an “absolute unit of a kid”—strong, resilient, and determined. Even in a situation that would terrify many adults, he fought with all his might and never gave up.

One of the most memorable moments of the day was when Cylus was allowed to ring the aphaeresis bell, signaling the successful completion of this vital procedure.

Watching him press that bell with a huge grin on his face was overwhelming. The sound echoed like a victory, a symbol of his bravery and the progress he’s making on his journey toward healing.

After the procedure, Cylus had the chance to take a photo with his own cells—a magical and surreal moment.

And true to his playful nature, he couldn’t resist pretending to be Dracula, striking a pose that made everyone around him laugh.

 These small moments of humor and lightness reminded us that he is still, at his core, the same spirited child we’ve always loved.

We are endlessly grateful. Grateful for Cylus, for his extraordinary courage and determination.

 Grateful for the medical team, whose dedication, skill, and compassion guided us through every step. Grateful for friends, family, and supporters who have sent their love, prayers, and encouragement.

 And grateful for science itself, whose advancements made this achievement possible.

Returning home today, we carried with us a renewed sense of hope. Cylus, still cheerful and playful, showed no signs of the fear or pain that this process could have caused.

His resilience reminds us that even in the face of daunting challenges, joy, laughter, and courage can prevail.

We know the road ahead will have more hurdles, but today was a day to celebrate.

In just a morning, Cylus accomplished something that would intimidate even the bravest adults. Every smile, every laugh, every small act of bravery demonstrated his inner strength and the power of hope.

We constantly remind ourselves that each step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.

Today, Cylus achieved a monumental victory. Weeks of worry and preparation transformed into a room full of joy, pride, and laughter.

We captured countless photos to remember this extraordinary day: his smile, his sparkling eyes, and the triumphant ring of the bell.

Cylus showed us that even in the most challenging moments, optimism and courage can triumph.

Looking at him as we prepared to leave the hospital, I whispered in my heart: “You did it, baby!” This journey toward healing is only beginning, but today gave us a reason to celebrate, a reason to hope, and a reason to marvel at the strength of a child.

Cylus seemed to sense the joy and relief surrounding him. He ran, laughed, and played, bringing light into a day that could have been filled with fear.

Each second with him was precious, each smile a victory, and each laugh a reminder of how much we have to be grateful for.

Today, we witnessed not just a medical milestone but the incredible resilience and optimism of a child.

 Cylus proved that even when faced with unimaginable challenges, he can shine, play, and inspire.

This journey is long, but today is a testament to progress, hope, and the extraordinary strength of a child who refuses to give up.

As we walked out of the hospital and headed home, I felt a profound mix of pride, relief, and gratitude.

 Cylus had faced something terrifying and had done so with bravery, humor, and an unwavering smile. He reminded us that even in the darkest times, hope can prevail, courage can shine, and miracles—big and small—can happen every day.

Cylus has not just survived a critical step in his treatment; he has thrived through it.

 And as a parent, there is nothing more humbling and inspiring than watching your child face such challenges and come out smiling.

 Today, he showed the world—and reminded us—that even the smallest among us can have the biggest hearts and the strongest spirits.

“You did it, baby!” I whispered again, tears in my eyes. Today we celebrated a milestone. Tomorrow, the journey continues.

But today, we are proud, we are grateful, and we are filled with hope. Cylus has shown us the power of resilience, the magic of courage, and the irreplaceable joy that a child’s spirit can bring to the world.

From Diagnosis to Triumph: Gabby’s Story.1358

Gabby has always had a special connection with animals. From a young age, she has been surrounded by the soft purrs of cats, the loyal companionship of dogs, and the vibrant colors of birds, rabbits, and every creature in between.

Her love for animals is mirrored in her gentle spirit, her compassionate heart, and her thoughtful way of seeing the world.

 Beyond her love for animals, Gabby has a creative soul. She is an artsy teen who spends hours capturing life through her camera lens, creating jewelry, and crafting little treasures that carry her unique personality.

Yet, despite her creative and playful nature, Gabby possesses a stubborn streak and a feisty determination—qualities that would soon prove to be life-saving.

In September 2017, Gabby began experiencing persistent pain in her left leg.

 At the time, her mother, Kristi, assumed it was simply growing pains, especially since Gabby had grown taller than both her twin brother and older sister over the summer. But as weeks passed, the pain didn’t subside.

 Concerned, Kristi took Gabby to their pediatrician, who ordered X-rays. The next day, the call came that would change their lives: “Pack a bag. A team of doctors will be waiting for Gabby at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.”

For the next four days, Gabby underwent a series of tests and biopsies that led to a diagnosis no family ever wants to hear: metastatic osteosarcoma.

 The world suddenly felt uncertain, heavy with fear, and yet, in the midst of it, Gabby’s courage began to shine. Just three days after receiving her diagnosis, she had a port placed and started the first of 18 rounds of chemotherapy.

 Her treatment plan also included a complex limb salvage surgery, in which her tumor, knee, and part of her femur were replaced with titanium. It was a grueling process, demanding both physical and emotional strength from a young girl who had only just turned 13.

The months that followed were challenging in ways that few can imagine. Gabby spent 15 months confined to a wheelchair, slowly rebuilding her strength and relearning how to walk.

 Physical therapy became a constant in her life, each session a reminder of the determination and resilience she carried in her small frame. In 2019, she began walking unassisted again, a milestone that marked not just physical recovery but the indomitable spirit she had nurtured throughout her treatment.

Later, due to her unexpected growth, Gabby underwent a revision surgery to lengthen her left leg, further ensuring that she could move through life with as much normalcy as possible. Today, she is officially NED—no evidence of disease—and will celebrate four years cancer-free at the end of July, a milestone that brings hope and relief to her entire family.

Gabby’s journey has not stopped at survival. She has thrived academically and socially, graduating high school with honors and earning a place at UC Santa Cruz this fall.

 She plans to become a pediatric oncology nurse, inspired by the care she received during her own battle, and driven by a desire to help others face cancer with dignity and support. For Kristi, Gabby’s mother, the dream extends beyond academic achievement.

She hopes to see Gabby reach the magic five-year cancer-free mark without long-term treatment-related complications and envisions a future where osteosarcoma treatments are more effective and less disruptive to a child’s quality of life.

Gabby’s story is one of resilience, courage, and gratitude. Despite everything she has endured, she wakes up each day with a smile, embraces life with enthusiasm, and approaches her schoolwork, physical therapy, and hobbies with determination.

Her family calls her their hero—not because she overcame cancer, but because of the unwavering positivity, strength, and grace she exhibits every single day.

Kristi often reflects on what Gabby’s diagnosis has taught her.

She recognizes that amidst the pain, fear, and uncertainty, there are countless beautiful moments woven into the experience—moments of connection, growth, and insight that would have otherwise remained unknown. “You will live, think, and love differently, and be forever changed because of it,” Kristi says. 

Cancer has forced her to reevaluate her priorities and clarify what truly matters: family, health, gratitude, and the joy found in everyday life.

The family also takes solace in knowing that Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) funds critical research for better treatments and potential cures.

When they learned that the therapy Gabby received had been around for 35 years, it underscored the importance of continued innovation in pediatric cancer care. With organizations like ALSF, families can feel a sense of hope that there are people fighting for children like Gabby, working tirelessly to improve outcomes and quality of life.

Gabby’s story is more than a journey of cancer treatment—it is a testament to the human spirit, the power of family, and the hope that can flourish even in the most challenging circumstances.

Her love for animals, her creative passions, and her dreams for the future are reminders that life after cancer can be rich, meaningful, and filled with purpose. 

The young girl who once faced unimaginable uncertainty now stands as a beacon of resilience and inspiration, demonstrating that courage comes in all sizes, and that even a teenager can leave a lasting mark on the hearts of everyone who witnesses her journey.

Gabby’s legacy is one of hope, creativity, and unyielding determination. Every photograph she takes, every piece of jewelry she creates, every step she takes unaided is a celebration of life and a reminder that with love, support, and bravery, children can face life-threatening challenges and still thrive. As Gabby prepares to step into the next chapter of her life at UC Santa Cruz, her family stands proud, inspired, and grateful—not just for her survival, but for the remarkable person she has become along the way.