ST. CLOUD, Fla. — Three-year-old Serenity Grace Diaz loves Disney princesses, the “Zombies” movies and making memories with her older siblings.
She laughs when her family dances and sings together in the living room. Her mother, Zaria Greer, describes her as the family’s “sassy little girl.”
“She is a ball of sunshine,” Greer said. “She is just absolutely our princess.”
Those joyful moments have become even more meaningful since Serenity was diagnosed with a brain tumor in August.
Greer said doctors identified the tumor as a brainstem glioma, described as a pilocytic astrocytoma. Serenity underwent surgery for a biopsy, but her family says the tumor cannot be surgically removed because of its location.
She is now receiving radiation treatments through Orlando Health five days a week for six weeks. Once radiation is complete, her doctors will assess how she responded and determine the next steps in her care.
The family created a GoFundMe to help cover transportation, rent and other household expenses during Serenity’s treatment. As of Monday, it had raised $2,875 toward its $4,000 goal.
Greer said the family’s search for answers began in May, when they noticed that Serenity’s face had become asymmetrical and she had lost movement on one side.
Greer said Serenity was initially diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, but the family continued seeking answers. After receiving a neurology referral, Serenity underwent imaging at Orlando Health and was admitted to the hospital that day.
The diagnosis transformed the family’s life.
Greer said Serenity now requires a level of constant care that can feel similar to caring for a newborn. The frequent appointments and weekday drives between St. Cloud and Orlando made it increasingly difficult for Greer to continue working, and she eventually lost her job.
Serenity’s father, Joey, continues working to provide income while the family balances treatment, household expenses and caring for its three children.
Greer praised Serenity’s Orlando Health care team, saying staff members have treated her daughter with compassion throughout an experience the family never anticipated.
For now, the family is focused on keeping Serenity comfortable, happy and surrounded by the people she loves.
“She is only 3 years old,” Greer wrote on the family’s fundraiser. “Despite everything happening around her, she is still our sweet little girl who deserves to play, laugh, make memories and simply be a kid.”
The family hopes that once treatment is behind her, Serenity will be able to visit Disney World or take a Disney cruise.
Until then, Greer said they are taking life one day at a time and trying to fill Serenity’s days with as much laughter, music and love as possible.
Click here to support Serenity’s family or learn more about the fundraiser.
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