Thiago's Valientes Legacy Foundation
Meet The Team
Who We Are
Melissa Varela
Founder & CEO
Melissa Varela is a wife, and proud mother to Ximena and her late son Thiago, whose courageous battle with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) inspired a movement of hope, love, and resilience. As co-founder of Thiago’s Valientes Legacy Foundation, Melissa channels her grief into action—raising awareness, funding research, and supporting families impacted by this rare and aggressive pediatric brain cancer.
Guided by the memory of Thiago’s bravery and fueled by her deep love for her family, Melissa works tirelessly to ensure no family faces DIPG alone and to help create a future where children have a fighting chance at a cure. Her advocacy blends compassion with determination, turning personal loss into a powerful force for change.
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Hector Varela
Co-Founder
Hector, is a devoted husband to Melissa and father to Ximena and his late son, Thiago. A driven and determined father, Héctor turned the heartbreak of losing Thiago to Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) into a mission to fight for awareness, research, and support for families facing this rare and aggressive pediatric brain cancer.
Bonded with Thiago through their shared love of music, Héctor carries forward his son’s spirit with unwavering dedication. His resilience and focus have been a pillar of strength for his family and the driving force behind the foundation—transforming grief into purposeful action for change.
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Tess Brown
Office Manager
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Lisa Rose
Product Manager
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