It wasn't until Glis was eight years old that her family began to notice a change in her health. Unusual bruises started appearing on her body, and disappearing after a few days. Soon after, she experienced persistent vomiting and a complete loss of appetite. However, as her condition deteriorated and her skin turned pale, a deeper concern emerged. "I remember looking at her feet, which had turned white, and feeling a growing fear that something was seriously wrong," Alma recalled, her voice filled with worry.
After conducting several tests, the doctors delivered the devastating news: "Your daughter has cancer."' Alma recalls at that moment, her world crumbled, and she fell into a state of disbelief at the words she was hearing from the doctors. "I held onto hope, thinking, 'No, this can't be possible.' I rushed to the internet to research leukemia, my heart filled with fear. I kept asking, 'Is she going to die? What will happen to her? Please, someone tell me.' I was lost!"
The news shattered the family's world, plunging them into fear and uncertainty. ASK Mom, Alma, recalls the day her daughter Glis began to lose her hair during her Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, stating: "I will never forget the moment my daughter touched her hair and realized it was falling out. As she lost her hair in front of me and my other two daughters, they quickly grabbed a Ziploc bag to collect and save their sister's hair. I was devastated as a mom, crying harder than I ever had in my life. Witnessing my daughter's sad face during that terrifying moment for our family was heart-wrenching. Glis, my eight-year-old little girl, taught me a valuable lesson when she said, 'Mommy, it's okay; my hair will come back.' That moment reminded me to stay strong and be there for her."
"I am grateful to organizations like ASK, which have been by our side during these difficult times. We attended a social event, Bingo, which was a great moment of joy and support. I also appreciate the educational support the navigator provided, and I thank Dr. Newton for your patience and care for my daughter" - Alma, ASK Kid Glis's Mom
When people began asking about Glis's diagnosis, many feared the worst, but Alma knew she had to be brave and strong for her daughter. "This was leukemia versus us, and we had the power of God on our side, along with the best medical team, including Dr. Newton, the ASK team, and everyone who supported us during this process."
As Glis bravely faced the challenges of treatment, she taught her family a valuable lesson in resilience. Her unwavering spirit, even in the face of adversity, inspired them all.
After many days in the hospital and multiple rounds of chemotherapy, the doctors informed the family that the day for Glis's final chemotherapy was approaching. So close to the end of a grueling journey, they found a kidney stone, postponing Glis's final chemotherapy session. In 2023, Glis was able to complete her last round of chemotherapy, and the whole family wept tears of joy when she rang the bell.
"I am grateful to organizations like ASK, which have been by our side during these difficult times. We attended a social event, Bingo, which was a great moment of joy and support. I also appreciate the educational support the navigator provided, and I thank Dr. Newton for your patience and care for my daughter" - Alma, ASK Kid Glis's Mom
Since completing her treatment, Glis has been back playing with her friends, and her hair has grown back so long that it reaches her waist. She loves it and is incredibly proud of it. She tells her mom this feels like a new beginning.