A Glimpse Into Alessia's Journey

On January 1, 2025, Alessia was rushed into emergency surgery for a life-saving craniectomy after her brain tumor began to bleed, causing dangerously increased intracranial pressure. Surgeons worked tirelessly for 10 hours to save her life.

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Following the procedure, Alessia was intubated and transferred to Cornell Hospital in New York City, where she underwent another surgery to determine pathology and attempt resection. It was there that our worst fears were confirmed: Alessia was diagnosed with a Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) located in her thalamus, classified as Grade 4 Glioblastoma—a terminal brain cancer.

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Soon after, Alessia underwent another surgery to replace the missing bone in her skull. She remained in the PICU for 17 days before we were finally able to bring her home.

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The only treatment option offered to Alessia was full brain radiation: 30 rounds, administered daily for six weeks. During this time, she endured many complications, including two additional brain surgeries to place VP shunts for swelling, seizures that required multiple hospital stays, and numerous setbacks in her physical therapy journey.

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Through every hardship, Alessia continued to shine. She carried a smile on her face and love in her heart, showing us all what true bravery and courage look like.

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In April, we received devastating news—the cancer had spread throughout her spine. We were told there was nothing more that could be done, words no parent ever wants to hear.

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As her parents, we made the most difficult decision of our lives: to bring Alessia home, where she could spend her remaining days surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply.

On May 5, 2025, our sweet Alessia gained her wings. She left this world in the arms of her mom and dad, surrounded by the same love that brought her into it.