Meet Serina Patel, a brave little warrior from Monroe Township, NJ, whose infectious smile and boundless spirit shine through even in the toughest moments. At just three years old, Serina was diagnosed with B-cell High-Risk Leukemia on August 7, 2023. Her journey began with persistent fevers, fatigue, and changes in her skin tone—symptoms that were initially dismissed as common illnesses during the COVID era. But when her parents noticed purple bruising covering her body, they rushed her to the pediatrician, who quickly realized the severity of the situation. After multiple tests and an emergency hospital visit, their worst fears were confirmed: Serina had cancer.

For her parents, the news was devastating. “Hearing the word cancer shattered my world,” her father, Ajay, recalls. Their hopes that doctors had made a mistake faded when Robert Wood Johnson Hospital confirmed the diagnosis. With no time to waste, Serina was immediately admitted to begin treatment.

Since then, Serina’s journey has been filled with challenges, victories, and incredible strength. She has endured intense chemotherapy, a series of treatments, and the struggles of a young child trying to understand why she feels sick. One of the toughest moments was explaining everything to her five-year-old brother, who felt like he had done something wrong. But through it all, Serina has remained resilient. “She is always smiling, always warm and welcoming. Watching her handle this battle with such strength makes me so proud,” her father shares.

Serina finds joy in the little things—playing dress-up, coloring, crafting, and riding her bike or toy horse. She is a girly girl who loves nail polish, jewelry, dolls, and teddy bears. And despite the hardships of treatment, she continues to thrive. Her parents prioritize keeping her active and well-nourished, ensuring she gets the nutrients she needs to stay strong.

Fightstrong Foundation was honored to bring a moment of joy to Serina and her family. When we learned that Serina didn’t have a twin-size bed of her own, we stepped in to provide a brand-new triple bunk bed for her and her brother—giving them a space of their own to rest, play, and dream. Seeing Serina’s excitement as she explored her new bed was a moment we will never forget. Her father described it best: "If you guys could have seen my daughter smile, laugh, run, and hug them because of their gift to our family—unbelievable! A moment I wish I recorded."

Through this journey, positivity, love, and support have been key. Serina’s parents have embraced new breakthrough treatments, including immunotherapy with Blenatamomab (Blenrep), a targeted cancer treatment that only attacks cancer cells, sparing the healthy ones. Since starting immunotherapy, Serina has gained weight, stopped vomiting from chemo, and even had her hair grow back—a major victory in her fight!

To those facing similar battles, her father shares this message: “Treat them with love and care—they need it, especially kids. Cancer is life-changing, but with the incredible advancements in treatment and support from foundations like Fightstrong, these children can thrive.”

Serina, you are an inspiration! Your strength and smile light up the world, and we are honored to be part of your journey.