Live Like Lola
2018 winner - Moriah Ratner
Lola Muñoz, 12, was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, or DIPG, on Aug. 26, 2016. It is an inoperable tumor located in the pons, a portion of the brainstem. The average life expectancy is between nine and 12 months; fewer than 10 percent of children with DIPG survive two years following diagnosis. While most childhood cancers have seen significant developments in treatment, in the past 40 years, none of the over 250 clinical trials for DIPG have shown any improvements in chances of survival. Lola has chosen to live every day to its fullest with the complete and utter support and encouragement from her family.
Lola Muñoz, 12, was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, or DIPG, on Aug. 26, 2016. The Muñoz family stops at Niagara Falls on July 12, 2017, during a camping trip to give Lola the opportunity to visit the natural phenomenon. It is important for the family to make memories and allow Lola to see sights while she can. Lola's parents maximize her time by making sure Lola experiences what the world has to offer.
Lola celebrates her 13th birthday on Sept. 24, 2017, a milestone her parents didn’t expect her to reach. Lola's parents recall this time the year before thinking her 12th birthday would have been her last.
After being admitted to Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital for severe dehydration, Lola questions to her mother, "Why is God punishing me?" Without an answer, Melissa urges Lola to talk to the chaplain at the hospital. Lola begins to list off her wrongdoings to her mother, apologizing for the mistakes she has made in the past.
After becoming more symptomatic, a rushed MRI on Aug. 10, 2017, reveals tumor progression. Lola's radiologist urged Lola to begin treatment as soon as possible as her condition could worsen in just days. Lola prepares for ten rounds of radiation by getting a mask made.
Agustin Muñoz, Lola's father, teaches Lola how to float on her back at a hotel swimming pool on April 9, 2017. After four months of chemo, Lola met her breaking point and ended the trial, a decision based on her quality of life. Revitalized, Lola gained the energy to become active in enjoying her favorite activities that the grueling nature of side effects had previously restricted.
Lola experiences little control over her right arm and hand. The facial paralysis has prevented her left eye from closing on its own, and she now must wear an eye patch to avoid irritation. Walking has become difficult and Lola needs the assistance of a walker. Lola loses balance easily while sitting on the floor and needs help up and down the stairs. Because of these limitations, Lola spends most of the day on the couch watching TV.
After a courageous 19-month battle with DIPG, Lola peacefully passed away on April 2, 2018. The Muñoz family says their final goodbyes to Lola before the casket is closed for burial.