She died of cancer. 3 Days Later, Her Mum Opened Her School Bag & Burst into Tears.

When 6-year-old Elena Deser passed away from a rare and aggressive brain cancer, her family thought their heartbreak couldn’t go any deeper. But three days after her death, her mother Brooke found something inside Elena’s school bag that made her collapse in tears — a handwritten note from her little girl.

Elena had been diagnosed with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma), a terminal brain tumor with no cure. Her parents, Keith and Brooke Deser, made the painful decision to shield her from the full truth, hoping to protect her joy and innocence in her final months.

They filled Elena’s last days with love, beach trips, bedtime stories, and time with her younger sister Grace. Despite her weakening body, Elena continued smiling, comforting her family, and being the caring big sister she had always been.

After her passing, Brooke opened Elena’s school bag, expecting to find leftover pencils or class notes. Instead, she found a folded piece of paper. It read:
“Dear Mom and Dad, I love you so much. I’m sorry I had to go, but I’ll always be with you. Look for me in the stars at night. I am the brightest one. Love, your angel, Elena.”

Over time, the family discovered more of these hidden notes — inside shoeboxes, ornaments, books, and even tucked into bags and drawers. Each one carried heartfelt messages: “I love you more than ice cream,” “Keep smiling for me,” and “I miss you, but I’m right here with you.”

What stunned Keith and Brooke most was realizing that Elena had known more than they told her. Somehow, she understood what was happening — and chose to leave behind comfort and love in her own quiet way.

In total, the family has found over 100 notes. Some remain unopened, too precious to read all at once. These messages have become their lifeline, symbols of Elena’s strength and compassion.

Now, through their foundation The Cure Starts Now, the Desers share Elena’s story to raise awareness and fund research for childhood brain cancer.

“She may be gone,” said Brooke, “but Elena’s love still finds us.”