Dying Girl Left Secret Notes Behind For Her Parents

Six year old Elena Desserich was diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer, and her parents were told she had slightly over four months to live. As the tumor slowly eroded her ability to speak, Elena began leaving notes behind, letting her parents know she loved them.

To this day, the couple continue to find notes hidden all around the house, with messages of love for them and Elena’s younger sister Gracie. Keith and Brooke Desserich have written a book about Elena’s story, with all sales to go to The Cure Starts Now, a foundation created to find a “home run” cure for cancer. The book is available in stores and online.

Outliving one’s own child is a parent’s worst nightmare. Brain cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in children under age 15. While there are various tumor types, each with their own differentiating signs and symptoms, some general things to watch for are uncoordinated movements along with headache and vomiting. As always, please see a physician if you have any concerns for your child’s health. Do not rush to judgment and attempt to diagnose your child on your own, and don’t assume the worst if you observe symptoms like those described above; they are not automatically indicative of a brain tumor.