A Texas nonprofit and community rallied to grant a terminally ill girl’s wish for an unforgettable quinceañera.
FORT WORTH, Texas — A North Texas nonprofit and a team of volunteers came together to give a 13-year-old girl with terminal cancer a quinceañera celebration she and her family will never forget.
Zoe, who has stage four bone cancer and is paralyzed from the waist down, had one major wish: to celebrate her quinceañera early. Although quinceañeras typically mark a girl’s 15th birthday, her family wanted to honor Zoe’s Mexican heritage while she is able to enjoy the moment.
Earlier this month, her family applied for a small financial gift through Heroes for Children, a Texas nonprofit that supports families facing childhood cancer. They asked for $250 to help with decorations — but that request turned into something much bigger.
“I read the application and I was in tears,” said Jenny, the organization’s director. “Within 10 to 15 minutes, we had a team getting together and a point person to handle all of it.”
In just over two weeks, the Fort Worth community rallied. Donations poured in to cover every part of the party — from the venue and DJ to dresses, makeup, photography and a limo. The family didn’t have to worry about a single expense.
Jenny said the event became a way to not only honor Zoe but also celebrate her mother, Carmen, and the family’s strength. Zoe is the second oldest of seven children.
Despite the pain she’s in, Zoe has been focused on giving back. She asked guests to bring new Lego sets, which she plans to donate to other children going through treatment.
“She is going through so much and it is visible that she’s in pain, but there’s not a single complaint. And what she’s thinking about is others,” Jenny said. “That’s who Zoe is.”
Zoe’s story is one of thousands supported by Heroes for Children, which has provided more than $9 million in aid to Texas families since it was founded 21 years ago. The group offers direct financial assistance, emotional support, and events to bring joy and normalcy to families dealing with childhood cancer.
To learn more about the organization or get involved, visit heroesforchildren.org.