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Family finds help and hope at Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic.
Eliana Montas is an energetic, active, and happy preschooler. She loves playing outside and with her princess dolls. “Eliana never stops,” says her mom, Gloria Robles. To see Eliana singing, dancing, or with her two older brothers, one would never know the challenges this brave little girl has overcome during a long battle with cancer.
In August 2013, when she was just 2, Eliana was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma after a mass was found in her leg. Eliana’s parents chose Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic for her treatment, and the kind and compassionate clinic staff have helped the entire family through a difficult journey.
“It’s hard for me to put into words how I feel about the Jimmy Fund Clinic,” says Gloria. “The caring Clinic staff supported us every moment. They gave us so much hope and outside resources, and I’m sure we would not have the same results without their influence.”
As part of her treatment, Eliana, now 4, endured numerous cycles of chemotherapy and amputation of her right leg. She began physical therapy with her prosthesis earlier this year and she completed chemo this past summer. Throughout it all, Eliana has remained a fighter and she received “unconditional support” from the Clinic, Gloria adds.
Eliana formed a special bond with Nahomie Johnson, M.Ed., activities specialist at Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic. “Nahomie is the true representation of the Jimmy Fund Clinic,” Gloria says. “She can turn Eliana’s tears into a smiling face.”
The Clinic’s compassionate care has helped alleviate stress and offered hope for Eliana and her family. Gloria says it’s incredible how everyone at the Clinic takes care of others and focuses on the patient and the family. The staff was also very skilled at entertaining Eliana during her treatments and keeping her happy. “They have made her feel like a princess in her kingdom,” Gloria adds.
Which is exactly how this special young girl should feel.
The Jimmy Fund is celebrating #GivingTuesday by sharing inspirational stories from Dana-Farber patients. Join us on our Facebook page every Tuesday leading up to the global day of giving, December 2, 2014, to learn more about Eliana and other patients undergoing cancer treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Jennifer Skala Bodio
Assistant Director, Development Communications
