A Mother's Dream to Rise Above — Cristina Vargas

Being sick is hard, no doubt about it. But being sick while parenting JuJu, my son who battles CLN2 disease every day, is a fight on two fronts. There’s no pause button, and…

Every morning, I look into my son JuJu’s eyes and see a fire that no diagnosis can dim. He’s 8 years old and full of light, love, and resilience. JuJu has a rare neurological…

I remember the exact moment my world changed. It happened in 2022, on a day that started like any other but ended with a diagnosis that shook me to my core. The doctor’s words…

I don’t recall the exact moment I sensed something was different about my son, Juju, but a mother’s intuition often whispers truths before they become evident. Before doctors ever uttered the words “CLN2 disease”…

Among the everyday chaos, I often pause to reflect on what it means to be a caregiver for my son, Juju, who bravely battles CLN2 disease, also known as late-infantile Batten disease. At just…

This time of year holds a special place in my heart and fills me with gratitude, determination, and a deep sense of purpose. Rare Disease Awareness Month, observed every February, isn’t just a time…

As the new year dawns, I find myself reflecting on the hopes and dreams I hold for my child, who is bravely navigating the challenges of CLN2 disease, also known as late-infantile Batten…

As the mother of Juju, a brave boy who was diagnosed with late-infantile Batten disease (also known as CLN2 disease) in 2021, I’ve witnessed an incredible journey filled with challenges, resilience, and hope.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the air is filled with a sense of warmth and an invitation to reflect. This time of year invites us to pause and appreciate the little things that make life…

My story begins with my most precious gift: my son. Like any mother, I dreamed that his future would be filled with laughter, adventures, and boundless possibilities. However, our reality took a sharp turn…

How can someone maintain a clear vision of their goals when navigating a whirlwind of emotions and striving to be the best mother, wife, and person possible? Life has a unique way of throwing…