At 15 years old, Valentina started having persistent weakness in her calves, a subtle neurological sign that led to testing and, ultimately, her diagnosis, Central Nervous System (CNS) lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that begins in the brain and/or spinal cord, accounting for about 1,500 cases in the United States each year.

In 2023, Valentina began weekly outpatient chemotherapy at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Pediatric Cancer Program, facing intensive treatment during what should have been typical teenage years.

The following year, she was medically cleared to attend a Taylor Swift concert in Tampa. Unfortunately, she developed a fever the day of the show and had to miss it to protect her immune system. The disappointment was heartbreaking. Then came a moment of joy she never expected. Miami Dolphins tight end Durham Smythe surprised Valentina with tickets to Swift's Eras Tour in Miami, making it her very first concert—a bright light in the middle of her cancer journey.

When Valentina’s cancer relapsed, she had to go out of state to receive the required advanced CAR-T cell therapy, a specialized immunotherapy used in difficult or recurrent cases.

In the summer of 2025, she experienced an unforgettable experience when she was invited to a VIP event at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. After being told to “wear something sparkly,” Valentina arrived speechless when she met Taylor Swift in person. She even received an autographed book, a keepsake she’ll treasure forever.

Today, she is cancer-free and attending Broward College, pursuing a degree in accounting. Valentina’s journey is one of resilience, hope, and unforgettable moments along the way.