Storybook Ball Ambassadors

ASTRAEA

In January 2025, Astraea (7 years old) was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive childhood brain cancer, CNS Neuroblastoma FoxR2 Activated. Interestingly enough, Astraea is no stranger to rare disorders. At three years old she was diagnosed with a very rare genetic disorder, STXBP1–disorder.

Since Astraea received her brain cancer diagnosis in January, she has endured tumor removal surgery, six weeks of radiation, and is currently starting her third round of chemotherapy (out of six). It has not been easy for her, but her family remains extremely grateful for the wonderful and compassionate care she's received from her care team. Despite facing two rare diagnoses, Astraea’s spirit shines. She lives in Vermont with her parents and two brothers. She loves Summer, warm breezes, colorful lights, windchimes, swimming, birdwatching, and the joy of being surrounded by her family and friends.

LUCA

Luca was born ten weeks early and spent six months in the ICN before coming home. During that time, he endured two surgeries, multiple tests and procedures, and was ultimately diagnosed with a rare genetic disease.

At just under two years old, with his complex history, he is the most resilient and determined little human and continues to amaze everyone. Luca’s family, including his mom Megan, hopes that sharing Luca’s story will help spread awareness.

ELLAH

Ellah's was born in 2017 at 24 weeks old, which necessitated immediate medical attention. She was flown by DHART to DHMC ICN.

Her medical journey was marked by critical heart surgery, known as Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), at six weeks old, during which her exceptional medical team provided life-saving care. The team's tireless efforts to extubate her ultimately resulted in a tracheotomy and G-Tube to ensure breathing stability. Following a prolonged six-month ICN stay, Ellah's parents were finally able to bring her home; a momentous occasion that was the greatest gift they could have asked for.

Ellah's unwavering strength and resilience has profoundly impacted their lives as parents. Now eight years old, Ellah continues to thrive, having successfully overcome her medical challenges, and is flourishing in school, reveling in the opportunity to learn alongside her peers. Ellah is, without a doubt, her family's medical miracle, and her parents feel indebted to the medical professionals who guided and supported them throughout her journey.

DALLAS

Dallas was born with Full Trisomy 18 and was immediately admitted into the CHaD Intensive Care Nursery (ICN). Spending five months there, he underwent heart surgery at just seven weeks old and defied all odds of survival.

He is still followed by a full care team and enjoys visits to the Transitional Long-Term Care Clinic. Now happy and sassy, Dallas is a five-year old who loves dinosaurs and dancing to music. His mother, Megan truly feels that Dartmouth Health Children’s is part of their story, and their family. Dallas is constantly showing his family and his care team that he has more to show everyone!