About Sweet Sindous
Sindous Maria Shoucair was born on April 25th, 2019, to first-time parents Michael and Thana Shoucair. From the moment she arrived home, her joy radiated. Her smile had the power to touch souls. Her ability to connect with anyone she encountered became the defining theme of her existence.
As she progressed through her early years, Sindous achieved every milestone expected of a child her age. She developed a keen interest in drawing, painting, singing, dancing, and reading. She was a happy and healthy child. In early 2021, she learned she would become a big sister. In the fall of 2021, her little sister, Alice, was born. The bond between the sisters was immediate and unbreakable.
However, subtle changes emerged in Sindous as 2021 drew to a close. She began to experience vision issues and soon after became unusually fearful of heights, even during simple activities like being picked up or descending stairs. In late March 2022, her balance began to quickly deteriorate. A visit to the emergency room on March 26th, 2022, revealed a brain tumor visible through an MRI—one month before Sindous’ third birthday.
Sindous was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a devastating form of pediatric brain cancer, faced by many children throughout history. Unfortunately, treatment options and research funding remained limited. Over the course of two years, Sindous underwent standard treatment approaches including radiation and reirradiation, several brain surgeries, participated in two promising clinical trials, and received extensive rehabilitation and supportive therapies. Her brain stem tumor ultimately affected her physical abilities, but her frontal lobe remained intact, meaning she was still very much herself. Despite her symptoms, Sindous remained present.
She continued to learn and grow, just as most children her age. She adapted to the reality and limitations of her own body and illness but never made cancer who she was. She continued to stay true to herself and made sure to do the things she loved but just a little differently. Sindous was a wonderful and engaging big sister, who taught Alice so much about the world. She and her sister traveled and explored many new places with her parents and dog. She went on to special education preschool, making many new friends. She spent endless hours spending quality time playing and smiling with her family and friends.
Sindous’ courage inspired everyone around her. She faced insurmountable odds with strength and patience, becoming a living example of perseverance. On March 29th, 2024, Sindous passed away, one month before her fifth birthday, leaving behind a legacy of grace, wisdom, and humility.
