Xaria’s happiest moments were spent playing games with her family, going to school or cuddling with her favorite pillow. Then came the news that she had a brain tumor. Surgery, chemo, and radiation took so much from her — she had to relearn the most basic functions. What cancer couldn’t take was her determination and sense of humor.
Her family connected with Connor’s Heroes while she was in the hospital. Monthly gas and grocery gift cards arrived in the mail at the right time. Making the constant trips from Colonial Heights to Richmond easier.
For Xaria’s mom, a Momcology retreat sponsored by Connor’s Heroes hosted for the hero moms was so needed. April said the weekend gave her a chance to connect with moms who understood her family’s journey. They started as strangers but ended the weekend as friends.
Through this tough time, Xaria’s family was not alone. They had a community of hero families and new friends supporting them.
Xaria • 13 years old
Diagnosed with Brain Tumor in January 2023
The biggest thing I want for me and my kids is a sense of normalcy. We don’t want to be treated like we’re made of glass. Just be there for us.
