Aubrey was diagnosed with DIPG at 5 years old. She is in treatment.
What’s one thing you wish you had known in those first 48 hours?
“You will survive.”
What helped you the most in those first 48 hours?
“My husband and our small group from my church.”
What is one moment in those first 48 hours that you’ll never forget?
“Being told that your child may only have 6–12 months to live is a kind of pain I don’t think words can truly explain.
I remember curling up on the bathroom floor, getting sick from the weight of it all, crying and feeling completely shattered. And then, somehow, having to get up, wipe my tears, and walk back out to be present for her—to be her mom, her comfort, her strength, even when I felt like I had none left.
And yet, in the middle of one of the worst moments of our lives, we have been surrounded by so much goodness.
People from all over our community have shown up for us—at the hospital, at our door, through messages, prayers, meals, hugs, and countless acts of kindness. They have continued to show up throughout this journey, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, there is still so much good in this world.
This journey has broken our hearts in ways we never imagined, but it has also shown us the incredible capacity people have to love, to care, and to simply be there.
So even while we are facing one of the hardest things a family can ever face, I’m choosing to see the good.
Because it is there—in every person who shows up, every hand that reaches out, every tear shared, every moment with my child, and every day we are given together.
And for that, I will always be grateful.”
If you could go back, what’s one thing you’d tell yourself?
“This is the worst moment of your life, but you will make it through.”
This First 48 story was submitted by Lisa.
DONATE »« BACK TO FIRST 48 PAGE