Sophia “SoSo” was a joyful, active 7-year-old from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, known for her love of dance, soccer, and making others laugh. Wise beyond her years, she had a free spirit and a deep love for all living things.

On February 21, 2017, Sophia was diagnosed with DIPG. What initially appeared to be the flu quickly worsened, and imaging revealed a tumor on her brainstem. Her family was told that radiation was the only treatment option, with an expected survival of 9 to 12 months.

Sophia lived less than eight months after her diagnosis, enduring aggressive treatment across multiple hospitals as DIPG stole her physical abilities one by one, while her mind and spirit remained intact.

Sophia passed away on October 20, 2017. Her life and legacy continue to fuel the urgent mission to advance research and change the future for children diagnosed with DIPG