Justin Ulloa
Justin was born on February 4 to his mom Sarah and dad Jerson. Justin is an energetic, full-of-life little boy who brings joy wherever he goes. He loves sports—especially baseball, which is his absolute favorite—along with football and basketball. Justin has a natural charm that instantly wins people over, and his big brown eyes and adorable dimples make it nearly impossible to stay upset with him. He’s the perfect mix of sweet and spirited—his family's very own “sweet and sour patch” kid—with a goofy sense of humor and an infectious laugh that keeps everyone around him smiling.
Justin loves being outdoors, playing baseball out back, playing with with dogs and swimming in their pool during the summers. Justin loves water parks- so Great Wolf Lodge is always been a big win for this kid.
Recently, Justin’s love for baseball won him the opportunity to meet some of the Baltimore Orioles baseball players during spring training. The Orioles are Justin's hometown team and meeting his favorite player has only fueled his love for the game further.
When he’s not playing baseball, Justin dresses up as a police officer, and his best dog friend Onyx is his own personal K-9.
Diagnosis
Justin’s symptoms began showing within a short two week span. Christmas 2025, Justin was a happy, healthy boy. A week later after getting the flu, they noticed his right eye deviated from the left, not moving in sync. Next came the leg pain… not complaining but slight mention of his leg hurting. His mom had already started working on an appointment with an ophthalmologist for his eye, and assumed he hurt himself while playing with his dogs or playing outside…
It was only when his teacher called Sarah and expressed concern that he was limping, and mentioned he struggled putting his left arm in his jacket without assistance she realized they needed to get him checked out to be safe.
His parents took Justin to a John’s Hopkins Children’s Hospital where the doctors were amazing at getting Justin evaluated and sent for an MRI. After that MRI, his parents were informed that there was a tumor in his brainstem. Prior to that day, they had never heard of DIPG. His oncologist shared what this diagnosis means, what is to be expected and the devastating reality of what their future would look like. Sarah said that doctor has never left our side, and has been a godsend in their journey to navigate through this process. Justin's community has been incredible and has really shown just how loved and supported Justin is. Their family, their friends, … Sarah's employer, and Justin’s school have been instrumental in showing their support and being there for their family during this devastating time. Justin’s grandparents, his sister, his titi’s (aunts) have been hands on from day one. Justin’s school have gone above and beyond beyond to support Justin through his journey, and doing any and everything to make him feel comfortable, and provide a sense of normalcy, and a safe space for him when he is able to attend school.
Sarah has decided to share this story to bring awareness and keep their son's memory alive long after he may not be… in hopes one day families will never have to experience the gut wrenching pain of being told their child's fate has been decided.
