Tributes to little smiler Isabella
TRIBUTES AS GIRL, FIVE, LOSES BRAIN TUMOUR BATTLE
THE parents of a five-year-old girl who lost her battle against a brain tumour have paid tribute to their brave daughter who ‘never stopped smiling.’
Isabella Ortiz from Bramhall, Stockport, died at Manchester Royal Children’s Hospital.
Her funeral service took place at St Ambrose Church, Adswood.
She had been diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) in June 2017 and her condition began to seriously deteriorate this summer.
But Isabella continued to fight bravely and her trademark huge smile was seen repeatedly at a Princessthemed party that was held last month to create a final happy memory for her family.
Parents Victor Ortiz, 39, and Assunta Trapanese, 43, have also donated her brain tissue to the Institute of Cancer Research in a bid to help find a cure for DIPG.
Victor said: “Isabella was always happy and cheerful and smiling all the time. Despite the circumstances she was never sad or asking questions.
“She never felt inferior or different, she still went to school and her friends loved her, we crammed so much stuff in.
“I will remember her as a fighter, she was mischievous and loved playing pranks. We decided if we sat down and cried it wouldn’t change things.
“Even now I am relaxed, we did everything possible and pushed the boundaries. They gave us 12 months but Isabella lived with cancer for 28 months. She will always be in our hearts and minds.”
Disney-loving Isabella was diagnosed after developing a squint and a scan showed what the cause was.
The tumour could not be removed as it was too near the part of the brain that controls vital functions.
Treatment including clinical trials and chemotherapy had appeared to meet with some success and Isabella was able to attend her reception year at Queensgate Primary.
But she deteriorated in August and she passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 19.
The family had spent the last two years making as many happy memories as possible, including the party at Woodford Community Centre and two trips to Euro Disney.
At Isabella’s service Victor and Assunta dressed as Kristoff and Anna from the film Frozen and a singer performed Let it Go.
The couple has thanked everyone who has supported them throughout Isabella’s illness.
They also hope that her brain tissue can help scientists find the breakthrough for the rare condition she had.
Victor said: “We want to make a contribution through raising awareness, money and for these guys to find a cure for a cancer that is very rare.
“Isabella went pain free and didn’t suffer, we are grateful we had so many quality moments with her.”
For more information visit the Princess Isabella Appeal – Together fighting cancer DIPG Facebook page.