Three Wise Men: Hope and Dreams of Brave Children Fighting Against Cancer

The arrival of the Three Wise Men becomes a moment of hope and longing for children and young people facing tough battles against cancer. At the Mexican Association for Help to Children with Cancer (Amanc) in Pachuca, kids like Jorge, Miguel, and Randy share their stories and dreams, weaving a network of support and solidarity amid adversity. Each of them, with their own tale of struggle, finds refuge in this place where they know that health is the most precious gift they can receive. Jorge Martínez, a 17-year-old, is an example of resilience. Diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma less than a year ago, he has been forced to leave behind his daily life and confront a treatment that has profoundly affected him. His request to the Wise Men is simple yet profound: "health." In the waiting room, among photographs of other children also battling cancer, Jorge expresses his desire to receive a tablet or a drone, but he knows that the most important thing is to recover. Miguel, 16 years old, has been dealing with acute lymphoblastic leukemia for three and a half years. Despite having undergone 120 chemotherapy sessions, his spirit has not given up. His story is one of constant struggle and sacrifice. While he waits for the Wise Men to visit, he also dreams of a computer that will help him continue his studies and fulfill his desire to become a veterinarian. Education has been his salvation amid the storm, and despite the adversities, he continues to hope for a better future. Randy, the youngest of the group, is a source of joy despite his leukemia diagnosis. At just five years old, he runs and plays in the Amanc room, unaware of the complications of his illness. His mother, Jazmín, reflects the mix of emotions that parents feel in situations like this. The uncertainty of whether the Wise Men will come to their home or to the association weighs on her, but what she desires most is for her son to regain his health. Difficult moments are lightened by the love of those around them, although December, with its emotional weight, feels especially heavy. The mothers of these children, like María Guadalupe and Jazmín, share a path that unites them in sadness and hope. Both have spent sleepless nights and days filled with anguish, but they have also found comfort in the community they have built at Amanc. While their children fight for their lives, they support each other, sharing their fears and aspirations. The festive season amplifies their emotions, reminding them of what they have left behind and what they still yearn for. Covadonga Prieto Peláez and Iliana Orea, responsible for Amanc, highlight the need for support for these families. In a month when the shelter's occupancy increases, the goal is to provide them with a safe and warm space where they can feel accompanied in their struggles. Christmas and the Day of Kings are moments when the shelter strives to offer more than just medical care: it’s about creating moments of joy and hope. The hospital and the association become a second home for these children and their families. The routine of treatments and consultations is interspersed with moments of joy, such as the dinners organized in December and the small gifts that arrive thanks to the community's solidarity. Despite the adversities, the atmosphere at Amanc is one of struggle and hope, where each story intertwines with others, creating an unbreakable fabric of support. Iliana, an oncological psychologist, emphasizes the importance of early detection of childhood cancer. She explains that in Mexico, a high percentage of children can be saved if diagnosed on time, but the path to that detection is full of obstacles. It is crucial to educate parents about the symptoms and the importance of seeking medical attention when something doesn’t seem right. Each story, like those of Jorge, Miguel, and Randy, serves as a reminder that prevention and detection are key to improving survival rates. During this season, each child at Amanc makes their own request to the Three Wise Men. While health is the greatest wish, there is also room for small material desires that help them cope with their reality. Hope intertwines with uncertainty, creating an environment where each day is a new opportunity to fight. In these times, the true gift is life and the possibility of moving forward. Thus, in a corner of Pachuca, the story of these children and young people reminds us of the importance of solidarity and empathy. Each of them hopes for a miracle, a little health, and the courage to keep going. The arrival of the Three Wise Men, however symbolic it may be, represents faith in a better future, a shared desire among all of them and their families as they face this tough battle together in search of life and hope.