Mara was diagnosed with DIPG on October 2007.  She fought bravely for 11 months touching many people around her until she returned to her heavenly home in September 2008. 

Mara was a naturally happy and content child. In fact, one of the very first words she said was "happy." She loved her siblings and delighted in making them happy. She liked to dance, play on the trampoline, dress up, hang on the monkey bars, color, and play with her best friend who lived across the street.

In 2007, Mara’s parents grew concerned over her increased clumsiness, drooling, and lethargy. She was 5-years-old at the time and had just begun kindergarten, so her weariness was attributed to her new schedule. She was eventually diagnosed with DIPG, an inoperable and highly aggressive form of brain cancer. Following her diagnosis, her balance, mobility, and dexterity were immediately affected. Many of the things she was learning to do, such as riding a bike and playing the piano, were immediately sidelined forever.

Following Mara’s diagnosis, life was difficult for her and her family. Constant doctor appointments and searching for child care for Mara’s three siblings while she completed radiation quickly became her family’s new normal. Mara would attend kindergarten each morning before her mom would pick her up from school and drive her to her radiation appointment about 45 minutes away.

Mara and her family were blessed with an amazing support system of neighbors, friends, and family who helped with her siblings and loved her completely. Mara's elementary school created "Mara's Team" and began a wave of love that continued well after her death. Despite the difficulties of this time, Mara’s mother very distinctly remembers the feeling that they were being carried by God and angels on earth and in heaven who were seeing them through. Though it was a time of incredible burden, it was made lighter by heavenly help from near and far.

For Mara’s family, funding and research for pediatric brain cancer provides them with the hope that other children will not have to experience the difficulties Mara faced. Advancement toward a cure for DIPG means that Mara's death and the deaths of thousands of children like her will not be in vain.

Thank you for choosing to donate to The Cure Starts Now Foundation. 100% of this donation, after credit card processing fees, goes directly towards research to find the homerun cure for cancer starting with pediatric brain cancer research.

If you would like to make a donation by mail please send a check to:  The Cure Starts Now Foundation; 10280 Chester Road; Cincinnati, OH 45215 and put the child's name in the memo.

The family receives notification of all donations made to this tribute fund automatically.