June marks a significant date as it is the month that Isabella lost her fight to neuroblastoma. This year will be 5 years since we lost her to this horrible disease on June 28th, 2012. The Santos family has been through their ups and downs in dealing with losing a daughter, sister, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, niece and cousin. But as you have most likely noticed, they have persevered… and they lead the push to fight for kids with cancer in Isabella’s honor. This month we will be sharing both the happy and raw times as we celebrate Isabella’s spirt and the legacy she left behind.

There is nothing better than summer camp…

Isabella at Camp CARE, 2011

“Today we drop off Grant and Sophia for a week of overnight camp.

Grant is a 3 year veteran who pretty much threw stuff together in a big ball and was ready to walk out the door.  Un-phased per usual on leaving the nest or putting thought into preparation.  He has the confidence to meet new kids, spend time with old friends and live an independent life all week long.

This is Sophia’s first year at the tender age of 7.  She is exactly like Isabella as she packs neatly and stacks them just so as she crosses items off the list.  Each piece carefully thought through for every situation.  Her room is cleaned and all of her stuffed animals are tucked neatly in her bed.  She is of course worried about Jake the cat getting enough love while she was gone.  Her heart is bigger than anyone I have ever met.  The amount of hugs and kisses we will get will climb near 100 before we drop her.  Her excitement is building to spend a whole week with her best friend Anna, hoping they will bunk together with their flashlights under the covers, giggling as they trade stories.  It’s so precious to watch.

Isabella’s journey has given us two kids that have no fear of the unknown, new people or independence.  There will be no tears, just the thrill of the week ahead.  It’s a great thing as parents to watch.

Isabella at Camp CARE, 2011

Isabella was able to enjoy a week of sleep-over camp thanks to Camp CARE in 2011.  She mirrored Sophia, as they always seem to do.  No fear, just excitement and the planning was very detailed.  Stuart and I were so nervous sending her that year, but she was in such good hands.  We loved that for a week in the summer she lived like a normal, healthy child and had the memories of camp to hold on to.  No tears, just happiness.

Grant heads to Camp CARE next week, Isabella’s stomping grounds, to be with kids who are battling and siblings who of those lost their battle.  It’s a grounding experience for him each year and I hope that he can feel Isabella’s presence there, wishing she was there alongside him.”

-Isabella’s Mommy (June 11, 2017)

We can accomplish so much more if we fight cancer together.  Learn more about donating to the Isabella Santos Foundation.