Meet Sophia · A mother’s story

A daughter. A sister. A friend.
A fierce hockey player and fighter!

Sophia is my 11-year-old daughter, Patrick’s little sister, and a sixth grader. She plays hockey for the Jersey Colts, cheers for the New Jersey Devils, and loves music—especially Olivia Rodrigo—along with lacrosse, theatre, and art. She treasures her friends, our family, and our dog, Krystoff. Before all of this, we were simply getting ready for another school year.

On August 24, 2026, Sophia and I were at the mall shopping for back-to-school clothes when she told me she was short of breath and that her legs felt weak. I took a closer look at her face and noticed petechiae—tiny, pinpoint spots of bruising—around her eyes and on her arms.

I thought she might have a viral infection, but I knew she needed to be checked right away. I took her straight to the ER. Sophia did not come home that day; she was admitted with a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Before she could begin chemotherapy, Sophia suffered a complication during placement of her Broviac central line. She needed resuscitation and was intubated in the ICU. I was watching my little girl fight for her life before treatment had even started.

Treatment now means hospital admissions lasting more than 30 days at a time. I am trying to be there for Sophia through the fear and uncertainty, while also being there for Patrick. The separation and missing our ordinary days together have been incredibly hard on all of us.

Through it all, I still see the same spirited girl. I want her to have her everyday life back: school, friends, hockey, and time at home with us.

I created this space to share her story and the people helping us through it. Every message, prayer, and thoughtful gesture brings comfort. Thank you for loving my daughter and being here for our family.

With love,
Briza, Sophia’s mom