Little Heroes, Big Fighters

Siblings to the rescue in these heartwarming stories of brothers and sisters who became little heroes and big fighters for each other.

Photos by Simply Shelby Photography
Styling by Alisha Champ
Hair & Make-up by Rosie Torres
On location at Painted Oaks Academy
Models are Central Florida kids who were patients at the Kids Beating Cancer Pediatric Transplant Center at AdventHealth for Children

Valeria, 8, Haines City 
Heart tank, $40; Military stripe jacket, $62; Tie-dye tassel skirt, $80 from Jak & Peppar; Blue high-top sneakers, $9 from Once Upon a Child

Magaly, 6, Haines City
Paisley high/low dress, $80; camo and denim ruffle jacket, $68 from Jak & Peppar; Brown booties, $30 from Payless; Navy bow, $3 from Once Upon a Child

Aidan, 4, Orlando
Emoji tee, $17 from Zara Kids at The Florida Mall; Denim button down, $13; Camo joggers, $17 from Target; Red Converse sneakers, $6 from Once Upon A Child 

Austin, 9, Orlando 
Distressed jeans, $18 from Target; Blue stripe tee, $15; Camo sneakers, $20 from Old Navy; Army green jacket, $55 from Macy’s at The Florida Mall

Their Stories…

Valeria was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia in April 2016. Her little sister, Magaly, was her bone marrow donor. Valeria received a transplant in September 2016 at the Kids Beating Cancer Pediatric Transplant Center at AdventHealth for Children. While she was in the hospital, all the staff became like family. She loves crafts and made bracelets for the staff.

“Kids Beating Cancer is a great organization that means support
and happiness. They make kids feel special.” -Valeria & Magaly’s mom

Aidan was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at birth. He received a bone marrow transplant in November 2016 at the Kids Beating Cancer Pediatric Center at AdventHealth for Children. His big brother, Austin, was his donor. Aidan’s favorite things to do during his treatment were participating in music therapy with Mr. Chris and exercise activities with Yogi Lisa.

“Kids Beating Cancer was a big help to my family. Throughout our stay, we could see where donations were being put to good use, whether it was the food vouchers or toys for our family during Christmas, we were showered with love and gifts that came from the heart and we couldn’t be more thankful!”  – Aidan & Austin’s mom

Kids Beating Cancer was founded by Orlando mom Margaret Guedes in 1992 after her 9-year-old son, John, passed away from leukemia. During John’s four-year battle, Margaret and John had to travel back and forth to Seattle for his treatment, often with his siblings in tow. After John passed away, Margaret vowed to make treatment more accessible to Central Florida children with life-threatening diseases. Kids Beating Cancer now provides top-notch medical services in Central Florida. The organization has helped more than 9,500 children with life-threatening diseases and has tested 38,000 potential bone marrow and stem cell donors since its inception. It reached a milestone in 2012 when it opened its Pediatric Transplant Center at Florida Hospital for Children.