"Funding research is so important because it's the only lifeline these kids with this rare cancer receive. Without the drugs funded through research, Liliana would not have lived as long as she did. When a donation comes in her honor, it gives that same chance to another child facing the same diagnosis. It's our only hope to one day find a cure." - The O'Donnell Family

Liliana was diagnosed in April 2021 with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) at the age of 2 ½, and passed away on June 17, 2023.

She endured photon radiation under sedation five days a week for six weeks, took steroids which caused significant bloating and weight gain, and began taking a phase 1 clinical trial medication. Her condition stabilized, and by her 3rd birthday in October she was starting to look and act like her old self.

All was good until the end of March 2022 (almost 1 year out from diagnosis), when a routine follow-up MRI indicated that the study drug was beginning to lose its effectiveness. She received another shorter round of radiation under sedation and began a regimen of maintenance chemotherapy. Throughout this period, Lili exhibited no DIPG symptoms, was her old self, and we had a wonderful summer and fall. She even learned to swallow her pill medications with water!

In early December of 2022 at the age of 4, Lili’s DIPG symptoms reappeared with a vengeance. She resumed steroids, received another 2-week round of radiation, and started taking another study drug (ONC-201 through expanded access). We were slowly beginning to see signs of improvement as she battled on toward 2 years out.

Unfortunately, in mid-May progress ceased and Lili began a renewed decline. The decline accelerated, and ultimately the tumor was too much for her little body to handle. Liliana went to God on June 17, 2023 at 2:10 AM. She passed peacefully surrounded by family.

Liliana was a warrior and nothing short of a miracle. She touched many with her bright light and we were blessed to have her in our lives.

https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lilianaodonnell

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.