Carmelo at the age of 7, was diagnosed with DIPG, an aggressive and incurable childhood brain cancer. His parents? were told the heartbreaking words no parent should ever hear: “There is no cure. Go home and make memories.”

Before his diagnosis, Carmelo was full of life. He loved playing soccer, going fishing, going to school, and being with his friends. When treatment began, those simple joys were replaced with hospital visits, all in the hope of giving him more precious time together with his family and friends.

Even through it all, Carmelo never lost his smile. He lit up every room, and he had a way of making the nurses and doctors laugh, no matter how tough the days were. His courage, kindness, and joy are what we will always remember most.

Sadly, Carmelo passed away 18 months after being diagnosed, but his spirit continues to inspire us every day.