“They said he wouldn’t live”: Mateo’s astonishing battle against cancer

Mateo defies cancer: Courage in the face of an almost impossible diagnosis

Unbreakable faith that drives his healing

Hope through medicine and integrative therapies

Mateo defies cancer. Mateo’s story is not just a medical account; it is a testimony of human resilience. At 16 years old, this Chilean teenager living in the United States has become what many call a “walking miracle.” After being given no hope in his home country due to a medulloblastoma (brain tumor) with spread, Mateo and his mother, Lissette Becerra, embarked on a journey of faith that now keeps them fighting in stage 4 of the disease.

Mateo defies cancer: The beginning of an unexpected battle

Mateo cancer survival story: They said he wouldn’t live

It all began when Mateo was 8 years old. The symptoms were subtle but persistent: recurring vomiting that doctors initially confused with stomach problems.

“The body is a perfect machine that, when it sends a signal, means something is happening,” warns Lissette Becerra.

After months of uncertainty, a scan revealed severe hydrocephalus caused by a tumor.

Although Mateo initially lost the ability to speak and walk, his recovery was astonishingly fast, defying medical expectations.

A new challenge and the journey to the United States: Mateo defies cancer

Mateo cancer survival story: They said he wouldn’t live. Here with Sebastián Yatra.

Four years ago, the cancer returned. Facing a lack of options in Chile, the family decided to seek an opportunity in the United States.

“The doctor in Chile told us we would go spend money and return without our son, but God in my heart told me we had to keep going,” recalls Lissette Becerra.

Thanks to the Believen Organization foundation, they were able to relocate and begin a new protocol that combines traditional oncology with integrative medicine.

Meeting his idols: Mateo’s source of joy

Despite long hospital days, Mateo has not lost the ability to dream and enjoy his greatest passions: soccer and music.

A devoted admirer of Lionel Messi and a loyal fan of Sebastián Yatra, the young man fulfilled one of his biggest dreams thanks to his mother’s idea and Sandra, Mateo’s psychologist at the time, who helped them secure an invitation to a meet and greet during a concert in Chile, where Mateo met Yatra face to face.

Mateo recalls with a smile that Sebastián treated him very kindly, highlighting the Colombian artist’s humility. These moments, along with his love for sports, have been pure “fuel” for his spirit, showing that even in the toughest battles, there is always room for magic and happiness.

Connection with Dr. Joe Dispenza and the power of the mind

Mateo cancer survival story: They said he wouldn’t live.

Mateo and his family have recently begun a key stage in their search for holistic well-being. In March 2026, they attended for the first time in San Diego healing sessions held during events by Dr. Joe Dispenza.

These practices focus on the brain’s ability to create new realities through meditation and visualization, a tool that Lissette and Mateo consider essential to complement his medical treatment. After this first experience, their goal is to attend a full-week event in May, seeking to experience the complete immersion process proposed by this healing approach.

To make this possible, they maintain an active GoFundMe campaign, which has evolved along with Mateo’s needs. Originally created to cover medical events, the fundraising is now vital to pay for new treatment options, specialized supplements, and, urgently, a change of housing. They currently live on a second floor without an elevator, making Mateo’s daily mobility a physically exhausting challenge for his mother.

“Carrying him upstairs becomes harder every day,” Lissette admits, emphasizing that finding accessible housing is now a priority to improve her son’s quality of life while they continue exploring every path toward his healing.

Although Mateo is currently facing difficulties walking again and is in an advanced stage, his message to the world is clear:

“Enjoy every day to the fullest and believe in yourselves, because everything is possible.”

How to support Mateo as he defies cancer?

The young Hispanic boy fights against all odds.

You can follow his brave journey and learn more about his book and daily life through his Instagram account @mateoinspira. His story reminds us that as long as there is faith and love, giving up is never an option. Here is also the link if you wish to support him through his GoFundMe account.

Transforming pain into purpose: The book “Dreams That Heal”

Mateo has decided that his story will not only be about struggle, but about a deeper purpose to inspire others. Together with his mother, he has immersed himself in personal growth, guided by his mentor Spencer Hoffmann, to put his experiences into writing.

The result is his book “Dreams That Heal,” available on Amazon, where Mateo shares a message of love and unwavering faith. This project aims to show that, no matter the adversity, it is always possible to transform one’s reality and touch the hearts of others.

It is important to highlight that he does not walk this path alone. Although his parents have been separated for years, they remain united as an unbreakable front for their son’s well-being.

The constant presence and support of Mateo’s father are key pieces in this engine of faith. His active participation in the process, emotional support, and encouragement of Mateo’s dreams—such as taking the first step to help him meet Lionel Messi—reinforce the message that family love is the most powerful medicine.

Medulloblastoma: What it is and how to detect the most common brain tumor in children

Medulloblastoma is a fast-growing cancerous tumor that originates in the cerebellum, the area responsible for balance, posture, and coordination. According to data from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, it is the most common malignant brain tumor in children under 16, occurring most frequently between ages 5 and 9.

Due to its location in the lower back part of the brain (posterior fossa), this tumor can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, causing a buildup of pressure known as hydrocephalus. This pressure is responsible for most of the symptoms that parents should closely monitor.

Warning signs: What symptoms to watch for

Mateo cancer survival story: They said he wouldn’t live.

Early diagnosis is key, as this type of cancer often spreads to the rest of the nervous system. Parents and caregivers should seek medical attention if they notice:

Headaches: especially if stronger in the morning or improving after vomiting

Nausea and vomiting: without an apparent digestive cause

Changes in motor skills: frequent stumbling, lack of balance, clumsiness, or sudden changes in handwriting

Visual disturbances: double or blurred vision

Extreme fatigue: unexplained changes in activity levels or excessive sleep

If the tumor spreads to the spinal cord, additional symptoms may appear such as back pain, difficulty walking, or changes in bladder or bowel control. Standard treatment usually combines surgery to remove the tumor, followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy to eliminate remaining cells.

Source: St. Jude Together – Medulloblastoma