Heartbreak as influencer, 15, with Down’s syndrome is diagnosed with cancer – as her family reveal she is ‘fighting like a true brave soul’

By William On Dec 13, 2023

An influencer with Down syndrome – with 2.8 million Instagram and TikTok followers – has been diagnosed with cancer.

Paula Cisneros, from the Extremadura region of Spain, has been absent from social media for a few days, worrying her huge fan base.

The silence was broken on November 1 when her older sister, Sara Cisneros, posted a video visiting her in the hospital.

Fellow influencer Sara – who herself has 2.2 million Instagram and TikTok – said: 'Has anyone ordered a dose of sisterhood?

Influencer Paula Cisneros, from the Extremadura region of Spain, who has Down syndrome, has been diagnosed with cancer

WHAT IS SARCOMA?

Sarcomas are unusual cancers that can grow anywhere in the body: on muscles, bones, tendons, blood vessels and fatty tissue.

Bone sarcomas are rare, affecting around 670 people a year – but there are other types of bone cancer.

There are around 100 different types of sarcomas and around 5,300 people in Britain are diagnosed with it each year.

Sarcomas can be treated well if people catch them early, but many people are not diagnosed until their tumors are about the size of a can of beans.

Only just over half of people with sarcomas (55 percent) survive five years or more after their diagnosis.

Symptoms of sarcomas may include bone pain, swelling or lumps, and limited movement if it grows near a joint.

Treatment may include typical cancer therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Source: Sarcoma UK

'There is no distance too far. In good times, in bad times and in ordinary times. Always, always together.'

But 15-year-old Paula's online fans were confused as to why she had been admitted to hospital.

After questions about her well-being increased, Sara, 29, opened up yesterday.

She said: “Just over a month ago, Paula was admitted to hospital with symptoms we feared.

'More than we told you, although we always remained positive.

'After many days in the hospital, many tests, much pain and much waiting, the words we never wanted to hear came.

'From today I can tell you more calmly, not with a less broken heart, that Paula now has a new battle ahead of her, the battle against cancer.

'A sarcoma is now part of our lives, and Paula fights like a true brave soul, you cannot imagine how much and how proud we are of her.

Paula, who often posts on her social media accounts, had been absent from Instagram for a few days, which worried her large fan base

The silence was broken on November 1 when her older sister, Sara Cisneros, posted a video visiting her in the hospital

Posting an adorable reunion video to her own social media, Sara beamed as she saw her sister and the couple hugging

Fellow influencer Sara – who herself has 2.2 million Instagram and TikTok – said: 'Has anyone ordered a dose of sisterhood?

The 15-year-old previously posed with her birthday balloons in an adorable Instagram post

“I won't lie to you, these are the worst days of our lives, and everything, absolutely everything, has taken a back seat.

'That is why we have decided to cancel all ongoing projects and take the time to find out what we stand for.'

The sisters' followers immediately flooded them with good wishes.

Marta wrote: 'You can do anything, Paulita.'

After questions about her sister's well-being increased, Sara, 29, (pictured) opened up yesterday

Paula photo with her sister Sara during a ski trip, the couple often posts photos together on their social media accounts

The sisters are very close and often appear in each other's social media feeds

Paula uses social media to share insights into her daily life. She talks about her abilities and her Down syndrome

Paula uses social media to share insights into her daily life. She talks about her abilities and her Down syndrome.

In a recent video, she described how she finds it “ridiculous” that some people think she is “sick” because of the condition.

“Down syndrome is a genetic condition, not a disease,” she said.

She also discusses the challenges that people with functional diversity have in making friends.

Her natural behavior has earned her the affection of millions of people. Sara uses social media to show the close bond she has with her beloved sister.