Like a lot of children in Grand Terrace, Arianna Villalobos, or Ari to friends and family, loves playing soccer. There was something about the physicality and joy that hooked Ari since she was three-years-old. For the next 11 years, Ari devoted time to her sport and fiercely dominated the field. However, unlike most children, Ari began to develop headaches and eye pain for several weeks. Nevertheless, she persevered and fought through the pain and excelled academically and on the field. However, the headaches continued and on October 8, 2018, Ari was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 14.
Doctors found a brain tumor the size of a tangerine lying in the middle of both hemispheres of the brain. The tumor attached to blood vessels, making it impossible to be surgically removed at that time.
Ari’s friends and family have stood by her side throughout her journey. Ari’s mother and father, Nikki and Chris, now live in the hospital with their daughter. Ari’s parents live by faith and that belief activates the blessing. “You don't have to see it to believe; you believe by faith, and know "it is finished" at the cross,” Nikki and Chris said. “God’s glory will be manifested through Ari's story and she will live.”
On October 19, 2018, a pathology report concluded that the tumor is Glioblastoma Stage IV. Glioblastoma Stage IV is where a large portion of tumor cells are reproducing and dividing at any given time and are infiltrative and invade into nearby regions of the brain, according to the American Brain Tumor Association.
Throughout this frightening process, Ari has remained strong and resilient. From enduring three surgeries in just one week to various treatments and her new life in the hospital, Ari continues to be brave and live by the strength of love and faith.
“Please stand in unity and faith with us as we claim that healing and ask for strength for Ari and her family,” according to her Go Fund Me page.
Friends and family wish that others keep Ari and her family in their hearts and prayers. The Valverde, Cruz and Villalobos families invite others to join them as they “continue to stand on God’s promises and believe by faith that the tumor will be terminated and Ari will live to testify the grace and glory of God... and play soccer!”
If you would like to support Ari throughout her fight, donate on her GoFundMe, “Help Ari terminate the tumor” at: https://www.gofundme.com/help-ari-terminate-the-tumor.
Ari’s family is also holding an “AriStrong” kickball tournament and car show on December 1, 2018 from 8 am- 5 pm, to help fundraise for Ari. The fundraiser will be open to the public and will include fun for the whole family at Elizabeth Davis Park, 1055 W. Laurel Drive in Colton. If you attend, you will be welcomed by a DJ, live music, a car show for $10 and a fun kickball tournament. If you would like to participate in the tournament please contact 909-725-0963.
Please keep Ari in your prayers and spread her story to others in your family, community and church.