By Adam Woodward

Copyright euroweeklynews

In the close-knit community of Benalmadena, 14-year-old Leonor stands out not just for her bright smile and quick wit but for the quiet courage she brings to every challenge. And her challenge is no small feat. So far, the community has shown extraordinary support, one Benalmadena resident giving her last €10 for Leonor’s cause.

Originally from Trondheim, Norway, Leonor and her mother, Milena, have made their home the Costa del Sol for the past eight years. A top student with a passion for dance (since 2 years old) and the sea, Leonor was full of life until February 13, when persistent dizzy spells led to a devastating diagnosis: an astrocytoma, a grade 2 brain tumour with an IDH1 mutation. The tumour, which has infiltrated the corpus callosum—the bridge connecting the brain’s two hemispheres—is inoperable due to its deep location, where surgery could cause irreversible damage.

Despite the odds, Leonor remains determined. “She’s always happy when she can go to school,” Milena said. Even on tough days she would prefer to join her friends than hospital visits and scans.

Leonor’s symptoms started one year ago

“The symptoms started in October 2024: dizziness, vision problems (she sees everything in pixels, sees what seems like flying light particles, and feels like she isn’t in reality), she felt dizzy when dancing and after some time when walking. Leonor has always been good at expressing herself with words; she has a lot of vocabulary, but she started complaining that she can’t find the right words when she is talking, and she always needs to change the sentence to compensate for that. The doctors didn’t understand what had happened for 4 months, and finally they found out in February 2025,” says Milena. Doctors from three hospitals have advised a “wait and see” approach. But as it spreads into healthy tissue, time is not on their side.

Milena, a single mother working part-time in Arroyo de la Miel, has spent months searching for alternatives. Reducing her hours to care for Leonor has strained their finances further, but she refuses to give up. After consulting surgeon tumour boards and exploring options, she discovered a promising WHO-approved vaccine treatment available in private healthcare in Germany and Switzerland.

Developed over the past two decades, this immunotherapy has overcome the blood-brain barrier to encapsulate tumours and slow their growth. In clinical trials for more aggressive glioblastomas, patients have extended their survival from 6 to 18 months to between 8 and 10 years. However, trials are limited to adults over 18, leaving families like theirs to cover the full €40,000 cost. Friends and family have donated generously, but €28,000 short remains a daunting gap to bridge.

El Vuelo de las Libelulas determined to fight for Leonor

That’s where El Vuelo de las Libelulas stepped in. This local association, dedicated to helping Benalmadena’s most vulnerable, has taken up Leonor’s cause with characteristic resolve. Led by president Maria del Prado Gonzalez, the group launched a crowdfunding campaign via social media, quickly gaining traction. They’ve partnered with the Asociación de Comerciantes y Empresarios de Benalmadena (ACEB) and the town hall, distributing solidarity stickers to supporting businesses. “We’ve written to everyone we know,” Milena said. “The volunteers have been incredible.”

Community begins to come together for Leonor

Now, the Costa del Sol community is answering the call with acts of profound generosity. Maria recently shared a story that moved her to tears: one woman they assist financially donated €10 earmarked for Leonor, insisting, “I’ll go two days without food, but still, this is more important.” Small businesses are stepping up too. Cafés like Amsterdam and El Kafelito, restaurants such as Los Mellizos and Bar Chopp, and suppliers including La Despensa del Mar, have pledged proceeds and donations. On October 24, the “Sí a la Vida para Leonor” event will bring the hospitality business together for a community gathering, seeking contributions of fresh meats, cheeses, breads, vegetables, and drinks to make it a success.

These contributions from everyday people and modest enterprises show the area’s deep well of compassion. “It’s overwhelming to see so many with so little give what they can,” Milena added. To join, donate via Bizum to 08672 (concept: ‘Leonor’) or bank transfer to ES82 0128 0785 8901 0005 4781 (concept: ‘Leo’ followed by your nickname for public thanks).

With €28,000 still needed, the clock is ticking as Leonor’s tumour progresses. The Costa del Sol has already shown its strength – now is the time to close the gap and give this remarkable girl the future she fights for every day.