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.

She should of been there…

“There are some things I just can’t do. Today is one of them. Her kindergarten class at Marvin Elementary school celebrated the new exciting frontier ahead of them that is Middle School. It’s crazy for me to think that I’m old enough to have a middle schooler. Especially with all the money I pay not to look like I do. I’ve watched them all from a distance over the last couple of years, wondering which group she would of been in. I must say, I even miss the drama that would of ensued with her friends and the talk of boys in my backseat. I skipped through all the heartache, pain and joy of having her in her last year of elementary school. I knew the class was going to be taking a minute during the ceremony today to remember her and both a financial and sentimental dedication would follow. I know the right thing to do would to have been there, and smile when they put her picture up on the screen. But I know in my heart I would have been scanning the room. Wondering if these kids are really touched by the loss still, or if the parents are feeling a little more grateful today when they see their son or daughter’s name being called out. Grateful they are not me. I appreciate her being remembered today but honestly, it’s a day I want to forget. Another milestone, stolen from us because we drew the short straw on life. She should of been there.” Isabella’s Mommy (Today, June 8, 2017)

Today, Isabella should have graduated from 5th grade. The impact she has left on her classmates and everyone around her holds strong… as evidenced today by the dedication her 5th grade class made to her. Yes, Isabella should have been there celebrating with all her friends. But her spirit and legacy is incredibly inspiring… and we thank Marvin Elementary (Union County, NC), her teachers and friends for honoring her to ensure she is never forgotten. Along with the dedication, the 2017 fifth grade class families organized a financial donation presented to ISF. We can’t put into words what this means to not only Isabella’s family…. but her foundation. A plaque remembering her will hang in the hallways among the hand-painted tiles that all of the 5th graders completed as their legacy class gift.

Forever a Marvin Mustang.

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