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Mother hopes to give disabled daughter best birthday yet

Sophia Griffith diagnosed with benign brain tumor
Mother hopes to give disabled daughter best birthday yet
Mother hopes to give disabled daughter best birthday yet
Mother hopes to give disabled daughter best birthday yet
Posted at 8:33 AM, Dec 18, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-18 11:33:07-05

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — As a kid, your birthday is one of the best days of the year. But for some families with expensive medical needs, there's not always enough money for a party and presents. One valley mom just needed a little help to give her disabled daughter the best birthday yet.

Sophia Griffith didn't always need a wheelchair to get around.

"I was a regular old 15-year-old going to school. I was walking and social," said Sophia.

But that's the age when her body suddenly began to break down. After extensive tests and x-rays, doctors diagnosed Sophia with a benign tumor on her brain stem, leaving her disabled at the age of 15.

"I was petrified because I didn’t know what to expect and I was going to the doctors and they would just say, 'let’s keep watching it, let’s keep watching it.' But, every day I’m seeing her deteriorating and getting worse and worse," said Jacqueline Griffith, Sophia's mother.

In the nearly seven years since Sophia's diagnosis, it's been hard for the Griffith family to make money.

"It’s not like I can just go get a job where I can make money. So, I’m just limited on the amount that I have," said Sophia.

"Now, I’m her primary caretaker. So, what we have coming in financially, that’s it," added Jacqueline.

Limited income meant years without birthday parties or presents. But with a little help, Sophia's mom is hoping this year she can give her daughter the best birthday yet.

"She deserves this. She’s been through so much and it’s just a gesture for me to her to say, 'I adore you, I love you, and you are the best thing to me,'" said Jacqueline.

The Vegas Golden Knights Foundation has stepped up to provide that hope for Sophia. The organization has offered to treat Sophia to two tickets to her first ever Golden Knights game. Plus, Sophia's package will also include an MGM package that includes a hotel stay, a spa package, and a $500 gift card for Sophia to pick out whatever special outfit that she wants.

"It's priceless," said Sophia. "I'm just thankful for my mom, that she’s there for me and she’s my biggest fan and my biggest cheerleader," said Sophia.

"She’s my hero. I look at her and I admire her because she goes through so much and she still has that beautiful smile and such a positive outlook on life," said Jacqueline.

Sophia says she plans to use her rest and relaxation package around her birthday in early 2020.