There is nothing better than summer camp…
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.
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 
“But as I laid her in my bed tonight, I knew that hospice was right. She is trying for the last time to live.. but her body will soon lose the fight. I feel like I’m coming to peace a bit with the fact that we are going to lose her soon. The community of people supporting us doubles daily and her reach is growing nationwide. It seems fitting for her as Isabella always thought that she was a celebrity her whole life, but just wasn’t sure why. That point was made very clear today when my phone rang with a blocked number.. Taylor Swift was on the other side of my phone and she had heard of Isabella and her fight. Isabella is a huge fan of hers and a month ago, she would of screamed bloody murder to hear her on the other side of the phone. But, this disease is taking all the of things about Isabella that made her so wonderful. It was all she could handle to just lay on the couch and listen to this woman she loves speak to her through the phone. She could barely speak, she just looked at the phone with one eye closed as if she was trying to see Taylor in the phone somehow. If you could of seen Isabella at her concert a couple of months ago, it would take your breathe away to see her now. How just a couple of months and a horrible disease can steal more and more things from her every day. Makes me so sad to see it. Even the revolving door of loved ones who leave and I know they are thinking it is the last time they will ever see her. This is my day.. my heartbreak, Isabella’s heartbreak, and heartbreak from everyone we come in contact with. I can only think that through her life, so many are changed that it will make the difference.. maybe even save another child’s life. Isn’t that what we all want? Our life sacrifice. knowing it can save someone else’s? That is an amazing gift. One death for the sake of millions? I know that is what Isabella would want in the end. To know that because of her, another little girl will not have to miss her last day of kindergarten. I selfishly wish that my daughter was the one being sparred. That her last day of kindergarten tomorrow would be filled with laughing and running and playing. Instead we head to the clinic for a full day of blood and platelets. Another memory, stolen. How unfair her life has been, but how beautiful it has been as well.” -Isabella’s Mommy (June 7, 2012)
Wish Wednesday returns! We are so excited for our 
We run and we fundraise. But we also make new friends, meet for socials, laugh and act silly. But there is nothing better than building relationships while making an impact in the community. 