Jonathan’s bright smile could light up any room. An energetic, happy child who loved playing soccer and building Legos, he was just three years old when his world changed forever. In August 2016, after complaining about headaches and then throwing himself on the floor in pain, Jonathan’s parents knew something was terribly wrong. Their instincts led to a devastating discovery – a mass the size of a golf ball on Jonathan’s cerebellum, a rare high-grade brain tumor.
The family’s journey began with a nine-hour surgery that his mother describes as “gut-wrenching” – the first of many difficult days ahead. During the following year of treatment, Jonathan seemed to improve, offering a glimmer of hope. But in December 2017, the tumor returned, twice its original size. Jonathan maintained his sweet nature throughout his treatment, even while missing the cherished family tradition of playing soccer.
When Jonathan passed away in October 2020 at just seven years old, the void seemed impossible to fill. They endured the unimaginable pain of watching Jonathan’s friends reach milestones he never would.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling,” his mother, Rosa, shared. “On one hand, I love seeing them grow up and do things a child should do. But it also reminds me that Jonathan will never get to accomplish those milestones.”
But in their darkest moments, CURE Childhood Cancer remained by their side, changing from an organization that supported them during treatment to a lifeline in grief. At CURE’s Hope & Healing retreat, Jonathan’s parents found a community that understood their trauma.
“At first, I wasn’t sure about talking about my pain,” Rosa admitted. “But the others there knew the same hurt. That helped me to open up. We bereaved parents can talk, relate, and have nobody judge us.”
CURE’s Healing Hearts events also became a source of comfort and strength for Rosa. Every quarter, mothers come together to share, connect, and support each other after the loss of a child. Their bonds extend beyond scheduled gatherings, with messages of hope and support when someone is struggling.
“Those are my ladies,” Rosa said of the other mothers who’ve lost children to cancer. “We meet somewhere quiet so we can talk and have a meal or do an art project. It doesn’t matter what we do; it’s the company.”
Even as time passes, CURE ensures families know they aren’t forgotten. Their child’s memory lives on, and they remain a part of the CURE family forever. Through bereavement events, CURE creates spaces where families can honor their children while finding strength in community.
Jonathan’s family takes comfort in knowing they are never alone on their journey through grief. In this way, Jonathan’s legacy of courage continues – not only in his family’s hearts, but also in the compassionate community that continues to walk alongside them day after day.
