Isabella's Story: Finding Strength Through Arts, Friends and Hope

In Victoria, Texas, Isabella, an arts-loving 11-year-old, was living a typical childhood filled with family, friends and her beloved chiweenie dog, Brownie. Life took an unexpected turn when Isabella started experiencing unusual symptoms.

“She was vomiting and her gums were bleeding,” recalled Maria, Isabella’s mother. “I first took her to the dentist because of her gums, but the dentist didn’t find anything wrong. So, then we went to the doctor and they drew blood. That’s when we found out it was leukemia.”

When Isabella was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a type of blood cancer, it was a shock to the entire family — but Isabella took it in stride.

“I didn’t know what leukemia was, so I wasn’t scared. I only cried one time — when they told me I was going to lose my hair,” Isabella shared.

Finding comfort at Texas Children’s Hospital

From the moment Isabella began her treatment at Texas Children’s, her family knew they were in good hands.

“When Isabella needed to go to the hospital, I wanted the best. We asked to go to Texas Children’s,” Maria said.

Isabella quickly became a regular at the Child Life Zone, a special area designed to provide children with much-needed joy and distraction from their medical routines.

“I like to go to the Child Life Zone. We’ll usually do art therapy in the morning, go to the art floor and the playroom — we have a whole schedule,” Isabella said. “It’s fun to hang out with the other kids going through the same thing as me.”

A day in the life: Activities and support

The Child Life Zone is a haven for patients like Bella. Generously funded by the Teammates for Kids Foundation, this unique space within Texas Children’s provides a variety of activities and amenities. From a Microsoft gaming wall to arts and crafts, the Child Life Zone is a place for children to relax, socialize, have fun and forget their worries. Isabella enjoys making slime, painting on pillowcases, coloring ceramics and making sun catchers.

“She does so much. On the cancer floor, she likes to pretend she is a nurse, play cards with the student nurses and enjoys the playroom where she makes more slime. It’s such a family environment here. I know she is being taken care of in every way,” Maria said. “And when kids can't leave their room, child life specialists will bring activities to them.

Isabella has taken full advantage of these activities, even spending time with Lawton, Texas Children’s newest facility dog. 

“I painted a picture of Lawton, the facility dog. And he painted one for me!” she exclaimed, a sparkle in her eyes, holding the pawprint painting.

Lawton, a labrador/golden retriever mix from Canine Companions, joined the team in July, offering support to many patients, including Isabella. Lawton is available to patients and their families thanks to The Pawsitive Play Program, with the mission of enhancing the emotional well-being of patients and their families. Through this program, specially trained dogs work full time alongside child life specialists to provide goal-oriented, therapeutic interventions and emotional support for hospitalized children as well as their families and the staff.

A message of encouragement

Despite the challenges she faces, Isabella remains remarkably positive. Her advice to other kids fighting cancer is simple yet profound: “Don’t give up. Focus on how good it will feel to go home.”

As Isabella continues her battle against leukemia, the support of her family, friends and the dedicated staff at Texas Children’s remains unwavering. Her journey is one of hope for all families facing similar challenges, showing that with courage, support and a touch of creativity, even the toughest battles can be faced with a smile.

Learn more about Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center.