Destiny has one of the biggest hearts of anyone. She is compassionate, caring, and always thinks about other people before herself. She loves spending time with her family, and despite everything she's been through, she still dreams about her future just like any other teenager. Her faith, courage, and ability to keep moving forward inspire everyone who meets her. Even through the unimaginable challenges she's faced, she continues to smile, encourage those around her, and find reasons to laugh. She is resilient, brave, and determined, refusing to let cancer define who she is.

What began as concerning symptoms quickly turned into devastating news after doctors discovered a large brain tumor. Destiny was diagnosed with pediatric diffuse hemispheric glioma (DHG) with an H3-G34 mutation, an extremely rare and aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer. She and her family’s lives were changed overnight.

Destiny underwent surgery to remove a softball-sized tumor, followed by radiation treatments and targeted therapies. While they hoped those treatments would give them more time, follow-up imaging eventually revealed new tumor growth; instead they were faced with the heartbreaking reality of recurrence.

Since then, Destiny's journey has included traveling across the country to participate in specialized clinical trials because there are so few treatment options available for her specific diagnosis. She has endured medications, frequent imaging, laboratory testing, hospital admissions, procedures, and neurological complications, including the loss of significant movement and control on one side of her body.

Cancer has impacted every part of her family’s lives—emotionally, physically, financially, and spiritually. It changed their routines, priorities, and future. But throughout every setback, Destiny has continued to fight with incredible courage, reminding them why they should never give up.

“Destiny is my hero because she has endured more pain, fear, and uncertainty in her young life than most people will ever experience, yet she continues to fight with courage and grace,” said Richard, Destiny’s dad. “She has undergone so much, all while trying to simply be a teenager. There have been moments that would break even the strongest adults, yet she keeps finding the strength to get back up and keep fighting. She doesn't complain nearly as much as she has every right to. Instead, she encourages us to stay hopeful and reminds us what true perseverance looks like.

“As her father, I've always believed it was my job to protect my children. Watching Destiny face something I cannot simply fix has been the hardest experience of my life. Yet through it all, she has become the one teaching me what courage really means. She has shown our entire family how to appreciate every day, celebrate every victory no matter how small, and never lose hope. She is my hero because she continues to choose life, faith, and hope every single day.”

Because Destiny's diagnosis is so rare, many of the treatments and clinical trials she needs are not available close to home. “We've had to travel long distances to access specialized care, and those trips come with enormous financial and emotional burdens,” shared Richard. “Between transportation, lodging, meals, missed work, and the countless unexpected expenses that accompany pediatric cancer treatment, the costs add up quickly.” This is where Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s Travel For Care program came in for their family.

“The Travel For Care program has been an incredible blessing to our family during one of the most difficult chapters of our lives,” said Richard. “The support provided has helped relieve some of that burden, allowing us to focus less on how we would afford to get to treatment and more on what truly matters—helping Destiny receive the best possible care.

Beyond the financial assistance, the program has reminded us that we are not fighting this battle alone. Knowing that complete strangers care enough to help families like ours has restored hope during moments when we needed it most. We are deeply grateful for the compassion and generosity that has made these trips possible.”

Now, Richard’s greatest hope is simple: more time with Destiny, continued healing, and that advances in research and clinical trials will one day lead to effective treatments—and ultimately a cure—not only for his daughter, but for every child facing pediatric brain cancer.

He also hopes that, one day, families won't have to travel across the country searching for hope because those treatments will already exist. “We pray that no parent will ever have to hear the words that their child has an incurable cancer,” said Richard.

To other families who may also be facing a childhood cancer diagnosis, Richard advises to take it all one day at a time. “Don't let statistics steal your hope,” he said. “Celebrate every victory, no matter how small, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Lean on your faith, your family, your friends, and the people who want to walk beside you. There will be incredibly difficult days, but there will also be moments of joy, laughter, and love that remind you why you keep fighting.

Most importantly, cherish every moment together. Cancer changes your perspective on life. It teaches you that the little moments become the biggest memories. Never lose hope, because hope has a way of carrying you through even the darkest days.”

Today, Destiny is still fighting, inspiring her family and all who know her with her incredible strength.

“She has taught us that true strength isn't about never being afraid—it's about choosing hope every single day, even when life feels uncertain,” shared Richard.

Information provided by Richard A., Destiny’s dad
Updated July 2026