Alyssa and Margarita

In Fall of 2019 we had the pleasure of meeting a special little girl, Margarita, who changed our lives forever. 

At just 6-years-old, she had accomplished so much, making the life ahead of her even brighter. Margarita was an avid dancer and singer who enjoyed all that life had to offer. Sadly, her dancing and singing came to an end in Spring of 2019 when she was diagnosed with DIPG, also known as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. DIPG is a type of brain tumor found in an area of the brainstem known as the pons; unfortunately, this rare disease affects children and survival rate remains to be incredibly low.

Brave Minds Project was connected to Margarita and her family following a fundraising event held at Soul Cycle. Our goal was to find a family in need of some good news. On November 19, 2019, Brave Minds Project met with Margarita and her mom Olga at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey to present the family with a donation of $2,000. 

What makes this donation so special is that it was our first donation to be awarded to a patient! While Brave Minds Project focuses on serving the forgotten demographic- individuals in their pre-teen through early adulthood living with brain and brainstem conditions- we feel it is our responsibility to help all individuals, regardless of financial status, age, and ethnicity. The donation helped Margarita’s family with her medical expenses, which allowed her family the opportunity to pay her brother’s college tuition. 

Margarita

Following our donation, we remained in close contact with Margarita and her family, and even spent time visiting her at home for playdates. Though her diagnosis was grim, her passion for life and to live carried on. As time passed, the odds stacked against her; Margarita continued to fight, inspiring everyone around her. Sadly, after 10 months of fighting, Margarita lost her battle on May 24, 2020.

At Brave Minds Project, we know firsthand that the whole family battles the diagnosis. We were able to help the Belkina-Sambuk family, as they helped their beloved Margarita. To carry on her legacy, Brave Minds Project and the Belkina-Sambuk family are pleased to announce Margarita’s Fund.

Through this fund, money will be raised to donate to one family of a child living with a brain or brainstem condition. Like Margarita, this child should have a playful and joyful spirit, with a whole life ahead of them. It’s our hope this money will help a child and their families.

A family will be chosen in May, 2022. To be considered for this scholarship, please fill out the below: