Sabrina: A radiant light and beacon of resilience

HomeNewsSabrina: A radiant light and beacon of resilience

By

Jamie

Posted

Posted by

Jamie

On July 15, 2024, Sabrina Studer’s world changed forever when she was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma, a rare brain tumor. In the face of a life-altering diagnosis, Sabrina has remained a radiant light, embodying hope, courage, and an unyielding zest for life.

Sabrina, lovingly nicknamed the “Princess of Nature,” lives up to her title every day. Her love for the outdoors, sunshine, and all the beauty the world has to offer is infectious. With a unique gift for spreading joy, Sabrina makes everyone feel special—often surprising strangers with heartfelt compliments that leave a lasting impression. Her positivity and warmth have a ripple effect, brightening the lives of everyone she encounters.

Her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Even in the face of unimaginable challenges, Sabrina’s spirit has remained unbroken. Just two days after her diagnosis, she underwent surgery, greeting the experience with characteristic grace and humor. She sang “They see me rolling, they hating…” as she was wheeled into the operating room and insisted that each member of her surgical team wear one of her lovingly crafted friendship bracelets—a gesture that showcased her incredible thoughtfulness and bravery.

Despite her positivity, Sabrina’s medical journey has been anything but easy. Stabilizing her sodium levels has been one of the most complex challenges Boston Children’s Hospital has faced, requiring weeks of intensive care. Watching Sabrina endure these hardships was both heartbreaking and awe-inspiring for her family, as she fought with unwavering resilience.

Monthly sodium testing has been a painful and exhausting ordeal for Sabrina. Her veins are difficult to access, turning every lab visit into a lengthy and traumatic experience. For a young girl who has already endured so much, these appointments have been an ongoing source of anxiety and discomfort.

But thanks to the Raymond A. Wood Foundation, Sabrina’s life has taken a remarkable turn. With the gift of a handheld blood analyzer, Sabrina can now have her sodium levels tested at home. This device represents so much more than convenience—it is a lifeline for Sabrina and her family.

For Sabrina, it means fewer needles, less pain, and more time to simply be a child. For her parents, it means the peace of mind that comes with being able to monitor her health closely and act quickly if needed. This device is a game-changer, granting Sabrina the freedom to focus on the things she loves—spreading joy, marveling at nature, and embracing the beauty of life.

Sabrina’s story is one of courage, resilience, and boundless love. She is a warrior, a survivor, and a shining example of what it means to find light even in the darkest moments. Through her journey, she has taught her family—and everyone who knows her—the true meaning of strength.

We are deeply grateful to Sabrina’s care team at Boston Children’s Hospital, whose expertise and dedication have been invaluable. And to the donors who make it possible for families like Sabrina’s to access life-changing devices, we extend our heartfelt thanks.

Sabrina’s journey reminds us all to find joy in the small things, spread kindness wherever we go, and never lose hope. She is not just our “Princess of Nature”—she is an inspiration to us all.

EN