A Riverside County mother is hoping to get some help from the public after her 10-year-old son has been diagnosed with a rare brain cancer.
Sebastian Guerra fell ill and found out he had the rare cancer on his 10th birthday in January.
“I’m just surprised that I have brain cancer,” the boy said to KTLA 5’s Jennifer McGraw. “I don’t think anybody knows how I got it.”
Guerra was diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma, which is the most aggressive type of brain cancer. The tumors are central nervous system-based, meaning they begin in the brain or spinal cord, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Data from the NCI shows that roughly 577 people are diagnosed across the country each year. Children who have diffuse midline glioma typically have a survival rate of one to two years.
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Sebastian Guerra, 10, has been diagnosed with a rare brain cancer. He and his mother spoke with KTLA on May 5, 2024. (KTLA) -
10-year-old Sebastian Guerra has been diagnosed with a rare brain cancer called diffuse midline glioma. The boy and his mother shared their story with KTLA on May 5, 2024. (KTLA) -
Sebastian Guerra, 10, has been diagnosed with a rare brain cancer. He and his mother spoke with KTLA on May 5, 2024. (KTLA) -
Sebastian Guerra, 10, has been diagnosed with a rare brain cancer. He and his mother spoke with KTLA on May 5, 2024. (KTLA)
Guerra’s mother, Katherine Mosier, says the family is trying everything it can to get the proper care for the boy. The only option available to them is radiation treatment.
Mosier is taken aback by how much fight, and patience her son is showing through treatment.
“Every single day, 30 times, sit still so we’re able to get him treatment,” she said. “He never complains, he just was like, ‘I can do this.’”
Mosier adds that it has been difficult for her to watch her child go through this serious health issue.
“There are moments in this journey, where as a parent, you feel like you have no control,” Mosier said. “It’s very hard.”
On top of the radiation treatment, Guerra is also going through a clinical trial to try and shrink the tumor. The family is hopeful that the trial will buy them some more time and for the cancer to go into remission.
Mosier says the financial burden has been heavy.
“Our government funding only provides 4% of funding to all pediatric cancer,” she said. “And about only 1% goes to pediatric brain tumors.”
Mosier adds that the lack of funding has resulted in fewer clinical trials being available to anyone who is diagnosed with the rare, aggressive cancer.
Guerra has been staying strong throughout treatments and is trying to remain optimistic that he will get better.
“I’m hoping for Jesus to fix my brain,” Guerra said.
The family has started an online fundraiser to help with the cost of medical bills and treatment for Guerra.