Earlier this year, Wessington Springs High School (WSHS) freshman, 14-year-old Estrellita Cardona, had just picked out and purchased a gown for her upcoming quinceañara, immersing herself in planning for the cultural tradition that marks a girl’s 15th birthday celebration.
After starting to feel ill in February, Estrellita was originally diagnosed with a viral infection. When she continued to feel unwell, her parents sought additional care and blood work, which tragically revealed the diagnosis of leukemia.
Upon learning about her diagnosis, Estrellita’s classmates at WSHS launched “Team Estrellita,” a self-described “group of people who help raise awareness and funds for our friend and classmate.” Each day in March students hold fundraising events at the middle school / high school with all money raised going to Estrellita and her family as she undergoes treatment.
Estrellita is currently residing at the Sanford Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls, receiving chemotherapy treatment twice daily. She will continue treatment for four to five months, remaining in the hospital for up to five months due to her immune system being compromised.
Plans are currently being coordinated for a bone marrow transplant once treatment is complete.
Estrellita’s mother, Gladys, shared that Estrellita has maintained a courageous and positive attitude in the face of daily fevers, stomach pain and headaches. She said Estrellita is mentally strong and is striving to overcome her leukemia diagnosis, remaining hopeful for a healthy future.
In addition to fundraising events at the school, students are in the planning stages of additional ways at the elementary school and in the community to support Estrellita and the Cardona family.
Look to next week’s True Dakotan for further information about how to become a part of “Team Estrellita.”
