Gloria Villanueva
Gloria Villanueva was born on October 29th joining her mom, dad and big sister and immediately made life brighter! With her sparkling eyes and infectious smile, she has always had a way of lighting up any room she enters. Gloria has an absolute love of arts and crafts and is incredibly creative. She also adores animals and has an endless curiosity about the world around her. These hobbies and interests have always been a testament to her vibrant and spirited nature that always spreads to everyone she meets.
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Diagnosis
Gloria's family's world turned upside down on March 18, 2024, when Gloria had a seizure while her mom was dropping her off at school . They rushed her to the emergency room where the CT and MRI scans revealed their devastating diagnosis. Gloria had a high grade glioma brain tumor on the left side of her brain. Several weeks later, genetic testing revealed she had a Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) H3K27M, along with other mutations. They were told there are no treatments or protocols in place, except for proton or conventional radiation.
After brain surgery, Gloria completed 33 rounds of proton radiation and battled through symptoms and complications, including several more hospital visits. Gloria's family has researched treatment options relentlessly, even when local doctors told her there were no available options in the United States. Her mom is currently traveling to Germany every three months for a version of a medication available in the United States but unfortunately not available to Gloria because of limitations of the trial.
Through all the roadblocks, Gloria has maintained her positive and loving spirit. She has an incredible faith and is using her diagnosis as a platform to help others. In fact, she used her own Make-A-Wish grant to go on a shopping spree for other children currently hospitalized. ​
Gloria is a model of having a heart for Jesus and for others and the Archer Foundation is proud to support this family as they continue to pursue hope relentlessly.
