Ezekiel was an intelligent and considerate boy who courageously battled DIPG, a fast-growing and highly aggressive form of brain cancer. He was a good son, a good brother, and a good friend. He enjoyed playing baseball, watching Star Wars, learning about history, and eating tacos and donuts. He had a hilarious sense of humor and was constantly making people laugh with his jokes. He was super social and enjoyed talking to everyone. He was a passionate reader. It was probably his favorite activity. He dreamed of having a house full of books and often said that reading was living! Ezekiel was so loving and caring. For a boy his age, he was never ashamed or embarrassed to be seen giving his mom hugs and kisses. He adored all animals, especially his cat, Ginger, and loved his sister, Jazmin, more than anything.

 At the age of 11, Ezekiel began experiencing vomiting and leg pain, prompting a visit to the doctor. Following several tests, it was revealed that Ezekiel had DIPG. His diagnosis was hell for his family. It was a deep black hole. Friends and family helped them get through their difficult situation by staying by their side and traveling from around the world to be with them.

Life for Ezekiel was very different after diagnosis. He developed double vision and was no longer able to read, something he enjoyed so much. As his body was weakened by cancer, he lost the ability to hold things in his dominant left hand, and he could longer play with his friends and sister. Regardless of the side effects of the disease and its treatment, Ezekiel and his family embraced every moment they had left together and made so many lasting memories. 

Ezekiel battled bravely for 5 months before he passed away just eight days after his twelfth birthday. Ezekiel made such a positive impact on his family and this world during his short life. Before he passed, he left his family with a wish list that they are diligently working to fulfill in his honor. For his family, life without him has lost so many of its vast array of colors.

Funding for pediatric brain cancer research is the key to guaranteeing that one day no other family will have to go through this fight and come out on the other side without their baby.

1 in 330 children in the U.S. will develop cancer by age 20.

On average, 15,500 children are diagnosed with cancer each year.

Cancer is the #1 killer of children by disease in the United States, yet it remains one of the most underfunded diseases in the world.

The Cure Starts Now focuses on the Homerun Cure™ for all cancers by concentrating our research funding efforts on the deadliest forms of cancer. With over $15 million in pediatric brain cancer research funding to date, you can rest assured that 100% of your donation, after credit card processing, will go directly to innovative research. Please join us in funding crucial research to save our youngest warriors.