Renesme is 4 years old, and she was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in February of this year, just a few months after her 3rd birthday. She is one of six children, and her parents, Raul and his wife, are doing everything they can to walk this road with strength and faith. Originally from New Mexico, their family now travels to Texas for Renesme’s treatment.

If you meet Renesme, you’ll quickly understand why she captures hearts everywhere she goes. She is hilarious, loving, and full of sparkle—obsessed with princesses, K-pop, and Zootopia. She has even earned the nickname “the Pediatric Floor Princess” because she refuses to wear anything other than dresses. Renesme also loves chili in all forms—chili fries, enchiladas, and her favorite, posole. She has always been fearless and carefree, loving Halloween and roller coasters, and she was especially excited to start school this year just like her older siblings.

Her family’s world shifted in January, shortly after welcoming their sixth child. About two weeks later, Renesme became sick and was diagnosed with RSV, but after eight days she wasn’t getting better. When she became pale and could no longer walk, her parents rushed her to the pediatrician, who immediately sent them to the ER in their small town. Bloodwork was drawn, and within an hour they heard doctors panicking over her critical values. They rushed into the room and told her parents her hemoglobin was a 2—and that if she were an adult, she would not have survived.

Arrangements were quickly made to fly Renesme to Northwest Texas, where she was admitted to the PICU. She spent about a week there, receiving three blood transfusions and platelets. Oncology was consulted, but the initial tests came back negative, and Renesme was diagnosed with Transient Erythroblastopenia of Childhood (TEC)—a rare but treatable condition. The family was sent home with reassurance that she might need another transfusion within a couple of months, but that she should return to normal.

About a week later, Renesme became pale again. Her doctor sent them back for labs and another blood smear. A week passed, and while the family was in Amarillo shopping, they received an urgent text from their primary care provider while eating at Texas Roadhouse on February 22nd. They were told her hemoglobin had dropped again and to head to Northwest ER, where a team would be waiting. In that moment, her mom knew in her heart this was something more serious.

They rushed to the hospital with Renesme and their one-month-old baby. Renesme was admitted through the ER and transferred to Room 305 on the pediatric floor. Days went by slowly as she received more transfusions and the family waited for oncology testing. Then, their PCP called with the news no parent is ever prepared to hear: the blood smear had come back showing B-cell leukemia.

On February 25th, the team was preparing to do a bone marrow biopsy and send the family home—until her parents pushed for oncology to review those results. When the oncologist saw them, she was shocked and said, “You’re not going home.” The next day, February 26th, Renesme was officially diagnosed with cancer. Soon after, she had a port placed, received her first chemotherapy treatment, and just a few days later, the family went home with their brave little girl—knowing life would never be the same.

What Makes Renesme Mighty

Renesme is mighty because even after being diagnosed with cancer, she has never turned bitter or angry. She loves fiercely and takes care of others—especially her cancer friends. Her faith in God has been unwavering. When her mom is overwhelmed, crying, and asking “why,” Renesme comforts her with strength beyond her years: “Mom, I am strong. I beat up the cancer. Jesus takes care of me.”

She is the heart of her family. Even while facing something no child should ever have to endure, Renesme remains the joyful one—the funny one—the uplifting light in the room.

Renesme’s story reminds us what it truly means to be mighty: courage, compassion, faith, and a spirit that refuses to dim. 💛🎗️

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