Anthony Medina

Brooklyn’s story is one of courage, love, and strength. Though her battle with DIPG has ended, her legacy continues through Brooklyn’s Petals of Hope Foundation — bringing hope, support, and awareness to families facing pediatric cancer and DIPG. Whether through community events like the BrooklynRoseStrong 5K, donations, sponsorships, or simply sharing her story, every act of support helps make a difference. To learn more and find ways to help, visit: brooklynspetalsofhope.org #BrooklynsPetalsOfHope #BrooklynRoseStrong #DIPGAwareness #ChildhoodCancerAwareness

Brooklyn’s coffee tribute box is now available. Each box also comes with 4oz of Brooklyn’s Jazzy Brew. Link in bio for those interested.

Join us for a night of good food supporting a great cause on June 19th from 5–9 PM at Village Inn. 10% of all sales during the event will be donated to Brooklyn’s Petals of Hope Foundation to help families facing pediatric brain cancer. Every meal shared helps bring hope, support, and relief to families navigating an unimaginable journey. We’d love to see you there — dine in, bring friends, and help us make a difference together. #StCloudFL #OsceolaCounty #CentralFlorida #DineToDonate #PediatricBrainCancerAwareness

31 days in May, 31 brain cancer warriors. Day/warrior 15: Brooklyn Rose Medina (2020 - 2024) Story taken from @brooklynspetalsofhope website "Brooklyn was born on August 26, 2020, and from her earliest days, she filled the world around her with love, laughter, and a remarkable curiosity. Her adventurous spirit led her to explore the wonders of nature, where she found joy in every leaf, flower, and creature. Brooklyn helped her parents, Anthony and Darline, plant a pollinator garden in their backyard, a testament to her early passion for nurturing the environment and all living things. On the morning of April 28, 2023, Brooklyn’s life—and that of her family—changed forever. After an MRI at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Florida, the devastating news arrived: Brooklyn had been diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), an inoperable brain tumor located on her brainstem. Doctors informed her family that she had less than 12 months to live. At that moment, the world seemed to close in, but Brooklyn's spirit remained unyielded. Brooklyn began her courageous journey at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she underwent a rigorous treatment plan. She participated in a clinical trial, taking an oral medication while also undergoing 30 rounds of radiation over six weeks, all while under sedation. On her last day of radiation, she bravely endured surgery to have a VP shunt placed to relieve pressure in her head. Through it all, Brooklyn’s resilience shone brightly, inspiring everyone around her. On December 28, 2023, the family received heart-wrenching news: Brooklyn’s tumor had grown significantly. This development was particularly painful as she had not shown any increased symptoms, and the family’s hopes for further treatment felt dashed. Faced with this new reality, they chose to focus on creating beautiful memories filled with love, laughter, and quality time together. Brooklyn exhibited extraordinary strength, bravery, and a fighting spirit throughout her nine-month battle with DIPG. On February 17, 2024, she gained her wings, leaving behind a legacy of love and inspiration." - @brooklynspetalsofhope posted with permission

May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month and we are going “Gray in May” with @tonymodane Founder of Brooklyn’s Petals of Hope. Join our conversation as we discuss the Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), how his daughter Brooklyn’s story has helped to create the Foundation Petal’s of Hope, and how you can help to bring awareness about brain tumors during this special month. Follow his foundation on IG @brooklynspetalsofhope for more information. Check out the show link in our bio @bemoretoday.show and subscribe to be a part of the Be More Today family. #grayinmay #braintumorawareness #brooklynspetalsofhope #bemoretoday

One day closer, babe. One day closer.

One day closer, babe. One day closer 😔

My spirituality has changed a lot over the years—mostly for reasons I wish I never had to experience. Most people picture heaven as the radiant pearly gates high above the world. But over time, that idea has never really felt like it fit for me. I often think about the song “Like a Stone” by Audioslave. In it, a man sits alone, reflecting on his life while quietly waiting for his own mortality. Chris Cornell once described his idea of heaven differently than the traditional one. It wasn’t about ascending to some distant, unfamiliar place. Instead, if you were a good person, your reward would be returning to somewhere you once felt true peace. “And on my deathbed I will pray to the gods and the angels, like a pagan to anyone who will take me to heaven, to a place I recall I was there so long ago— the sky was bruised, the wine was bled, and there you led me on.” I think about that a lot. For me, heaven wouldn’t be getting to those pearly gates. It would be something much simpler and much more meaningful—sitting reading to Brooklyn, hearing her little voice interrupt the story with questions, or being outside in nature with her, just existing in those quiet moments that once felt so ordinary. We’ll get there someday.

One day closer, babe. One day closer.

Remembering Brooklyn Rose Medina, 2 years on. @brooklynspetalsofhope Brooklyn loved to dance, sing, and play. Her love of music brought smiles and joy to everyone around her. Her favorites were Christmas songs, which she could sing all year round. She had a passion for animals, especially giraffes, she would say she wanted to be an animal doctorShe had a love for everything outdoors. She loved watching the bees, rabbits, butterflies, and birds in her family's yard. Rest in heaven Brooklyn! You are so missed! Brooklyn Rose Medina. August 26th 2020 - February 17th 2024. Forever 3, DIPG