Daniya was a sweet, bright little girl who was inquisitive by nature and cared deeply for others. She loved rainbows, unicorns, and mac and cheese. 

Shortly before she turned 5, she developed some subtle facial weakness, and an MRI revealed a large tumor growing in her brain. One month before her birthday, she was diagnosed with Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG), an aggressive malignant brain tumor which is inoperable and terminal upon diagnosis. 

Daniya began her battle in April 2021. She underwent a biopsy, 6 weeks of radiation treatment, numerous medications with their own painful side effects, several MRIs and CT scans, a handful of hospital visits, countless pricks/pokes/covid tests (and covid), and experienced the gradual deterioration of her verbal and physical abilities, until they were completely gone (though she remained cognitively aware of what was happening, as kids with DIPG/DMG typically are). Through it all, Daniya remained the sweet, thoughtful, silly girl she always was, and was truly a warrior at heart.

Daniya returned to her Lord on February 4, 2022. She had a deep impact on those who met her. Her memory lives on in the hearts of all of those who love her, and continue to fight in her honor. 

"We are so appreciative of each and every dollar that has been donated towards pediatric brain cancer research in Daniya's honor. As an ambassador family, we feel privileged to be able to facilitate these contributions. As you know, there was nothing we could do to change the outcome for Daniya. We certainly would have done anything to change it, in a heart beat. Although Daniya has left this world, that desire to change the outcome has remained in our hearts-- we feel it now for each child who is currently battling, and for all those who have yet to be diagnosed. Genuinely, there is hope that things can change for them. The cure is out there, and researchers are making fascinating discoveries that bring us closer to it. We humbly ask that you help us keep moving towards that cure, in any way you can." - Mona Elkasabi

Thank you for choosing to donate to The Cure Starts Now Foundation. 100% of this donation, after credit card processing fees, goes directly towards research to find the homerun cure for cancer starting with pediatric brain cancer research.

If you would like to make a donation by mail please send a check to:  The Cure Starts Now Foundation; 10280 Chester Road; Cincinnati, OH 45215 and put the child's name in the memo.

The family receives notification of all donations made to this tribute fund automatically.