Growing Together Through Liam’s Journey

The story of Yorban and his family is one of resilience, love, and a community coming together in the face of immense hardship. For Yorban, sharing their story is not easy. “I don’t share this information much, but I believe that what we are going to share could help all those children who are suffering from this life-threatening illness.” He was referring, of course, to his son Liam’s diagnosis of a pediatric brain tumor.

Yorban and his wife have four children, including their youngest, Liam, who was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor at just 14 months old. Their family’s routine dramatically changed, impacting not only Liam but also his three sisters, ages 5 to 15. Simple moments like family meals became challenging, with Liam often unable to eat, but despite these hardships, his sisters have grown closer to him, offering comfort and teamwork to support him day-to-day. The siblings’ bond is powerful, he shared. “It’s affected them a lot, especially seeing their brother not eat, or when he’s sick and doesn’t play. But they support him. They play with him and try to make him feel well. We’ve come together as a team to show him love and strength, letting him know we are with him every day.”

Liam’s treatment is ongoing, but recent improvements have brought renewed hope. The family credits a compassionate healthcare team whose patience and dedication have made the medical process a bit lighter. Their faith has been central; they draw strength and encouragement from their religious beliefs, finding hope and the resilience to support one another even on the hardest days.

Culturally, Yorban’s experience as a Latino father has shaped his approach to adversity. He encourages other Latino men and parents walking similar paths to remain strong and patient, reassuring them that difficulties, though overwhelming, are often temporary. When I asked Yorban where he finds the strength to lead his family each day, he didn’t hesitate. “My strength comes from God. When we received the news about Liam’s brain tumor, it was a terrible day. It felt like everything ended because we saw a happy, playful boy who loved to smile. That news drove me closer to God. Although I was already a Christian, this situation made me rely entirely on God. The Bible became my source of strength and hope. It has filled me with joy and given me the courage to move forward.”

Through this ordeal, the family learned the importance of cherishing every moment together. Yorban emphasizes that parents should value spending time with their children, expressing affection and appreciation while they can, since sudden illness can alter life in unforeseen ways.Daily life for the Baltazars centers on small, meaningful activities that help everyone cope and connect. The family enjoys simple outings to the park, movie nights at home, and chances for the children to interact with animals, especially dogs. Recently, they’ve discovered that Liam loves playing football at the park. “He hasn’t decided on a favorite team yet—that will come with time,” Yorban laughed.

Having never faced such an illness before Liam’s diagnosis, the family was unprepared for just how much it would change their outlook and routines. Yorban describes the day of Liam’s diagnosis as world-shattering, a turning point that deepened his faith and bonded his family together even more. “Because as a family, we had never experienced anything like this before. This has had the most impact on me, my wife, and my daughters.”

Looking forward, the Baltazars dream of returning to a sense of normalcy, with hopes that Liam will soon enjoy childhood to the fullest alongside his siblings. They aspire to use their experience to help other families, sharing information about support resources and foundations that have aided their own journey.

He hopes for a future where Liam is healthy again and his family can go back to the carefree days of walks, play, and laughter. Yorban didn’t hesitate when asked what he’d say to newly diagnosed families. “Give your children the best. Enjoy every moment, every day as they grow. Cherish and care for those beautiful children. Treat them with love and tenderness because we never know when we might face a severe illness like what Liam is going through.”

For newly diagnosed families, Yorban’s story highlights the value of seeking support, drawing comfort from faith and community, and leaning on others who understand the walk through pediatric illness. His family’s story is not just one of struggle, but of hope, resilience, and the power of community. He also encourages families to reach out for help, both from organizations and their communities. “I wouldn’t hesitate to help. I’m someone who, when I see that something isn’t right or that someone is struggling, I try to help. I would gladly share the information about organizations and foundations that have supported us.”

When asked what it would mean to live in a world without pediatric brain tumors, Yorban spoke from the heart. “It would be wonderful if children from all nations didn’t have to suffer from these types of illnesses because they’re so painful. I hope a medicine is found to eliminate these illnesses, so all children can grow up without experiencing painful days, without losing their appetite or energy to play. It would be wonderful if no child had to endure these diseases.”

Stories like Yorban and Liam’s remind us that pediatric brain tumors steal childhoods, but also reveal the resilience of families and the power of community. Yorban summed it up best himself: “Everything will be okay. This is not permanent; everything will be fine.”

To all the families walking this path now, remember Yorban’s words, “Stay encouraged. Have patience. This is only temporary, and it will soon pass.” Together, with continued support and research, we strive for a future where every child can laugh, play, and live free from brain tumors.