Iker Ramirez

Age 4

Hepatoblastoma (Stage 4)

Story told by Mom (Maria):

Before his diagnosis, Iker was a vibrant, healthy little boy who rarely saw a doctor outside of his annual checkups. Everything changed in November 2022. After recovering from a cold, I noticed his belly was swollen. We had just seen his pediatrician for stomach pain, but something didn't feel right. Further tests revealed the unimaginable-within two weeks, Iker was diagnosed with Stage 4 Liver Cancer (Hepatoblastoma). He was just three years old. A large tumor was found on his liver, and scans showed the cancer had spread to his lungs.

Our world stopped that day. Instead of starting Pre-K as planned, Iker began treatment immediately. I put my Early Childhood Education degree on hold to be by his side, while his dad left work to care for our other children at home. Since that time, Iker has endured eight cycles of chemotherapy, five major surgeries to remove tumors, and five Interventional Radiology procedures designed to destroy remaining cancer cells. He has spent 61 nights at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, 25 nights at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, and three more at Nemours Children's Hospital in Florida. The distance and time apart have been incredibly hard on all of us.

Despite everything, Iker's spirit remains strong. He loves to ride his bike and is the fastest among his siblings. After a major liver resection in February 2023, he became critically ill, leading to a long hospital stay and months on Lovenox injections that prevented him from doing many of his favorite activities. Thankfully, those injections have ended, and he can finally enjoy being a kid again.

Iker celebrated his 4th birthday in July 2023 and started kindergarten that fall-a moment that filled our hearts with joy. In September, Make-A-Wish sent our family to Disney World, but our trip was cut short when Iker developed pneumonia and was hospitalized for three days. Even though the trip didn't go as planned, we remain thankful for every moment together. Iker continues to be stable, and we pray his next scans will come back clear so he can fully enjoy his childhood.

Iker has four siblings-Ysandro (8), Penelope (7), Fabianahi (6), and Emma (now 2). When Iker was first diagnosed, they were confused and scared. They didn't understand why Mom and Dad were always gone, or why I cried so often. They asked heartbreaking questions like, "Is Iker going to die?" and "When is he coming home?" Now that hospital visitation rules have eased, they can spend more time with Iker during treatments, supporting him in their own sweet ways.

His siblings call him their superhero. They share their toys, bring him treats, and cheer him on through every challenge. When his older sister earns a prize at school, she always asks for an extra one for her little brother. Their love and compassion remind us daily why we keep fighting as a family. Though the journey has been unimaginably difficult, our faith and unity keep us strong.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has chosen to support our family and to honor Iker's strength through this painting. From the bottom of our hearts-thank you for helping us continue to believe in brighter days ahead.