In Loving Memory of Ariel Caro.
Today we have a super special Warrior, Ariel. Ariel was misdiagnosed with Bells Palsy at the age of 11, when she really had a tumor growing inside of her brain. Bell’s Palsy is the paralysis of one side of the face, often caused by tumors, however Ariel was shrugged off. No scans were done. A year went by after the misdiagnosis without any treatment. For one year Ariel had AT/RT (Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor)- AT/RT forms in the CNS, central nervous system. It can grow in the brain and spinal cord. They are extremely fast growing and can spread to other areas of the body by entering the CSF – Cerebrospinal Fluid.
She was finally correctly diagnosed with AT/RT at the age 12. Surgery to remove the tumor was preformed in September 5th, 2015. 2 rounds of radiotherapy were done (radiation), the first lasting 6 weeks and the second lasting 10 days. On March of 2017, Ariel Relapsed, the tumor came back.
Unfortunately, due to the lack of funding for childhood cancer treatments, Ariel, a Teenager, endured 3 years of ADULT chemo. Drugs meant for adults, meant for stronger bodies. Ariel finished treatment on May of 2018. Scans were preformed between March and May, but because insurance denied paying the high costs of the scan Ariel truly needed to verify if the cancer was truly gone, Ariel never got the right scan and a new tumor wasn’t seen. Doctors never caught the tumor. The truth was that the cancer would spread all over her body, to the point of breaking her hip.
She loved to ride her bike, to skate and travel, she truly loved live with passion, even when sick she did what she loved. When her cancer came back for the last time, Ariel’s last wish was to graduate school, so she did. 9 months after being re-diagnosed with Brain Cancer, Ariel went to Heaven. On November 12th, 2018, Ariel took her last breath. We miss you Dearly, Ariel. Fly High Angel.
I share Stories like Ariel’s not only to raise awareness, but for better treatments, for better cures, for more attention to our children. For no more misdiagnosis.
Warriors Of Gold 