The Pearland family cast a “super nova” light on pediatric brain cancer after their daughter was diagnosed

PEARLAND, Texas – While cancer is considered rare in children, it is a daily reality for the Baker family. After the fight of her 4-year-old daughter Nova against brain cancer, Bobbie Baker made it his mission to illuminate not only the cause, but also a supernova.

“Nova is a perfect mix of princess and grit,” said Baker. “She spent a time during her toddler years when she only wanted to wear large ruffled princess dresses, and even in those dresses she would look for worms.”

As a toddler, Nova wore one of her favorite princess dresses with ruffles. (Bobbie Baker)

In 2019, a seemingly innocuous event turned the world of the Baker family upside down.

“Nova’s eye went in and I knew immediately that something was wrong because she didn’t know how to do it,” said Baker.

Baker made an appointment for Nova with an ophthalmologist, where they discovered that something was putting pressure on Nova’s brain. After consulting with a pediatric neurosurgeon, Baker received the dire news.

At age 4, Nova was diagnosed with pineoblastoma, a rare type of brain tumor. (Bobbie Baker)

“Our pediatric neurosurgeon came to tell us that our daughter has pineoblastoma. It’s a very rare type of brain tumor, ”said Baker. “It was like being in an elevator that just descends.”

Baker and her family had two days to grapple with their reality and prepare for Nova’s surgery.

“I just told Nova to be brave. Come back to us and you know I pray. I prayed, “said Baker.

The operation was a success with almost 100% resection of the tumor. Unfortunately, their journey for the Baker family was just beginning. Nova was scheduled for another operation to prepare her for radiation treatment, of which she received 30 doses in addition to four rounds of chemotherapy.

At age 4, Nova was diagnosed with pineoblastoma, a rare type of brain tumor. (Bobbie Baker)

“It’s like we practically lived in the hospital,” said Baker. “You see other families and children go through the same thing, so you know you are not alone. It’s just a completely different world that I never knew existed. “

But for Baker, one of the most incredible aspects of the whole experience was seeing the strength and resilience of her four-year-old daughter.

“She always tried to be positive. That kid in between it all was still trying to be a four year old, ”Baker said.

At age 4, Nova was diagnosed with pineoblastoma, a rare type of brain tumor. (Bobbie Baker)

Now Baker is committed to raising awareness and funding for pediatric brain cancer.

“I am so grateful, and I feel that gratitude is an action,” said Baker. “My dear friend Lauren and I are co-chairs of Houston’s first Starry Night event, which we are very much looking forward to.”

She hopes people will realize that childhood cancer is not as rare as it seems and that everyone has the ability to do something.

Nova pictured with her father Justin (left) and mother Bobbie (right) on their last day of chemotherapy. (Bobbie Baker)

“What you do can make such a big difference in the future,” said Baker. “Starry Night is a perfect opportunity for you to support our children and families and to collect donations to make a difference.”

The Free Starry Night Houston Virtual Walking Tour on How to Cure Childhood Brain Tumors will take place on Saturday, October 2nd at 6:30 pm. KPRC 2′s Sofia Ojeda will moderate the event. Guests are asked to take part alone or in small socially distant groups. The Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors is supported with donations.

At age 4, Nova was diagnosed with pineoblastoma, a rare type of brain tumor. (Bobbie Baker)

For the full story, watch the video above. For more information or to register, click here.