Dublin Boy With Brain Tumor Finds Strength from Community

Reza Sadaghiani knew there was something seriously wrong when his son's handwriting was turning into a scribble.

Sirous, an 8-year-old John Green Elementary School third grader, showed some hints that there might be something wrong in the fall. He seemed a little weak when playing soccer and his speech was a bit muddled around Thanksgiving. He even showed some trouble holding a spoon.

But, when in early December his beautiful penmanship was suddenly illegible, it was time to figure out what was wrong.

After having an MRI, the answer couldn't have been worse. Sirous had a rare malignant brain tumor called Gliomatosis Cerebri—there is no surgical solution and the prognosis isn't encouraging.

Now, with the Dublin community rallying behind him, Sirous is at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, fighting for his life.

"Everything is happening so fast," said Reza, Sirous' dad. "We are in the best place (UCSF) possible for him and moving aggressively with treatment."

The Dublin community is moving aggressively too. On Friday, there will be a bake sale at John Green Elementary School to raise money for the Sadaghiani family. Next Tuesday, Vito's Express, located on 4060 Grafton St., will be donating 30 percent of all its proceeds to the family.

(You can see a full list of fundraisers for Sadaghiani family by clicking this link.)

"You always want to be part of a community that does things for others, and you really appreciate it when you're on this side of it," Reza said. "To see the school and people, without hesitation, offer not just words but action to support you, it's really touching."

The support has also boosted the spirits of Sirous. As he goes through aggressive radiation therapy, Reza has been focused on boosting his son's morale, which has been helped by visits from family, friends, teachers and even Golden State Warriors' basketball star Stephen Curry.

"I think seeing so many people fighting for him gives him a reason to keep fighting for himself," Reza said.

You can learn more about Sirous and show your support by liking the "I Am Sirous" Facebook page. A meal train has been set up by the community to help the Sadaghiani family. Click here for the details.