‘Means the universe’: Thousands pack Oklahoma tattoo fundraiser to help 3-year-old with cancer

A 3-year-old with cancer received a powerful reminder that she isn’t alone.

Thousands of Oklahomans came together at a tattoo fundraiser to raise $32,000 for 3-year-old Sophia Hernandez, who was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma. The event, hosted by Krybaby’s Tattoo Studios this past Sunday, drew an overwhelming response.

“We had over 5,000 people that signed up in line,” said Sarah Lewis, owner of Krybaby’s Tattoo Studios.

The funds raised include $22,000 from the fundraiser, a $10,000 donation from the family’s mortgage company, Front Porch Homes, and additional contributions through a GoFundMe campaign.

For Sophia’s father, Rodrigo Hernandez, the support means six months of uninterrupted time at home with his daughter.

“What money can buy is a little relief,” he said. “Having people dedicate a full day to raising money for me and my family, that meant more than the world to me. If I could say it, it means the universe to me.”

Sophia, who recently had to shave her head due to her treatments, made an appearance at the event to meet the supporters.

“We made our rounds, kind of went around every shop, stopped by, and made sure she made an appearance so they could see what we were doing it for,” Rodrigo said.

Rodrigo shared how the funds will allow him to focus on what matters most.

“I’m hoping to just focus on them. Focus on having more fun, getting her treatments dealt with — not worrying about so much other responsibilities of life and try to just enjoy the time. You never know when it’s going to be the last moments, so I’m trying to focus on the good things,” he said.

The overwhelming support has inspired Sarah Lewis to continue helping the family.

“If we got to do this all over again until Sophia rings that bell, then we’ll do it again,” she said.