Like most new moms, my precious sister-in-law, Dr. Karla Diaz Davalos was anxiously awaiting the birth of her baby boy Pablo. She was nervous about becoming a mother and could not fathom how much she was going to love this baby.
Karla proved her love and then some. At five months pregnant she was diagnosed with stage 4 Burkitts Lymphoma. As a doctor in her first year of fellowship with the Department of Medicine at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio, Karla was both at an advantage and disadvantage of understanding her situation. Due to the aggressive treatment she would need, the doctors at MD Anderson suggested she abort the baby and save her life. Karla chose to save him. She understood her cancer was very aggressive, and she knew that in order to save the baby she might not save herself.
Pablo endured five rounds of chemo while in his mommy’s belly and was born on December 23, 2012. Most moms are not allowed to drink caffeine or eat raw fish while pregnant because it may be dangerous for the baby, but thankfully chemotherapy did not harm Pablo. He is truly a miracle!
After Pablo was born Karla continued to fight for her life and endured aggressive treatments. Unfortunately, she lost her battle on July 27, 2013 at the age of 31, leaving behind her 7 month old adoring baby boy.
While undergoing treatments, Karla was aware that her situation was terrible but that it could be worse. She was blessed that her cancer treatment was not a burden for her or her family financially and couldn’t imagine someone in a similar situation also having to worry about the costs associated with treatment. Karla learned about the Halo House foundation from a friend. It is a non-profit organization which provides temporary housing for individuals who travel to Houston for treatment. She chose this charity to support and hence, Laugh for Lymphoma was born. 
Please join us on Thursday, January 30, 2014 for an evening of laughs, dining catered by Paloma Blanca, and open bar (date night or girl’s night out anyone?!) at the inaugural Laugh for Lymphoma to benefit the Halo House Foundation. This event will take place at the Laugh Out Loud! Comedy Club and will celebrate the life of Dr. Karla Diaz Davalos and toast our guest of honor, lymphoma survivor and my oldest son’s godmother, Katie Russell. All proceeds from Laugh for Lymphoma benefit the Halo House Foundation, and their mission of making life easier for people with lymphoma.
You can purchase tickets online through the link below. Hope to see you at this lively event!
https://voluptate-34466.ticketbud.com/laugh
About Carla
Carla is an unapologetic helicopter mom to three young children that keep her busy and on her toes. Never a dull moment, she has sassy, sweet firstborn 6-year-old daughter, Sophia, Minecraft loving gentle giant 5-year-old son Daniel, and her little fighter 2-year-old son, Mateo. A Trinity grad, she has lived in San Antonio her entire adult life. She worked as an auditor for 10+ years, but left the glamorous life of climbing the corporate ladder, travel, and extravagant work dinners behind to stay home full-time with her favorite small people. She is passionate about family, active in the community, and loves to spend time with her children – especially when they are all at their happy place – McDonald’s!
