Our Story

In 2007, our daughter Dayanara was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive pediatric cancer. She was just four years old. Through the long and difficult journey of treatment—hospital stays, chemotherapy, and surgeries—Dayanara found comfort in a small Dumbo plush. He was more than a toy; he was her brave companion, her silent cheerleader, and her source of courage when the world felt overwhelming.

When the day came for her tumor extraction surgery, Dayanara made one heartfelt request: she wanted Dumbo with her in the operating room. We agreed, knowing how much he meant to her. But after the procedure, Dumbo was gone. Lost. Never recovered.

To help Dayanara cope with the heartbreak, we told her a story—one that became the heartbeat of our mission. We said that Dumbo had stayed by her side through the surgery, and once he saw she was safe, he took her tumor and flew away using his special ears. He was off on his next journey, to help another child fighting cancer.

That story became our truth. And from it, the DUMBO Foundation was born.

Today, Dayanara is 17 years cancer-free. Her strength, resilience, and spirit continue to inspire us every day.

We created the DUMBO Foundation to carry forward the hope, strength, and magic that every child deserves in their fight against cancer. Just like Dumbo, we believe in lifting children up—giving them the support, love, and resources they need to soar beyond their diagnosis.

Because every child deserves a chance to win. And every journey deserves a little bit of magic. DUMBO MAGIC!