From Amara’s mom, Stephanie and dad, Joseph:

Our family’s journey with cancer began at the most unexpected time. In December 2024, we had just relocated from Reno, Nevada to Elk Grove, California. Things were going relatively well—Amara and her two siblings were slowly adjusting to their new school, and work for us as parents had been consistent.

Then came the frequent vomiting and unusual headaches. These symptoms weren’t entirely new; Amara had experienced them before in Nevada, but doctors had never followed up. We assumed it was related to her previous diagnosis of constipation, or perhaps anxiety due to the move.

It wasn’t until a severe bout of vomiting that we decided to take her to the ER. Thanks to a thorough and attentive doctor at Sutter, we finally got answers—Amara had a 4cm tumor in her cerebellum, blocking the flow of fluid in her brain. That moment marked the beginning of her journey: emergency brain surgery and resection of the tumor.

We soon learned that Amara would need both radiation and chemotherapy to prevent the tumor from returning. Because she’s under 10, the recommended radiation is a specialized form called proton therapy, available only in San Diego. This meant our family would have to be separated—Stephanie would need to be with Amara in San Diego, while I stayed in Sacramento to work and care for our other children, with help from extended family.

Our next urgent need was finding housing in San Diego. That’s when Marayah Cares Foundation stepped in. A school counselor at Amara’s new school connected us to this incredible organization, and they truly became our lifeline. MCF helped us secure housing for the entire duration of Amara’s treatment and even supported travel expenses so I could visit when I wasn’t working.

Amara is set to begin her radiation treatments on May 5th. The road ahead is long, but thanks to Marayah Cares, we’re not walking it alone. We are endlessly grateful to Nancy, Anthony, and everyone at Marayah Cares Foundation. Thank you for being part of our village and helping us face this battle with hope and strength.

UPDATE – June 2025

On June 24, 2025, at our Scholarship Presentation Event, we had the opportunity to welcome back Amara. At 9 years old, she was stricken with brain cancer. After brain surgery, Marayah Cares Foundation helped provide housing for her and her mom in San Diego where she received chemo and proton radiation. The Foundation also assisted in providing plane flights for dad and her brother and sister to visit Amara and her mom from Elk Grove. Assistance was also provided for essentials like food and gas. She finished her current treatment on June 18^th and blessed us with a visit to our scholarship night where she was also awarded an honorary scholarship. Her fight continues as her tumor was on her cerebellum and blocked fluids to her brain. She needs to learn to walk and talk as before. We will be with her and her family on this journey as well. For all your support which goes directly to address our Foundation’s purpose, we thank you….and we welcome new supporters as well.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Galt Rotary, Heart of JB, Law Offices of Guadalupe Valencia-San Diego, Jaime’s Cafe and Rotary Club of Elk Grove for specific donations that made not only the scholarships possible but also enabled us to provide much needed assistance to Amara and her family.