Fresno Cancer Survivor's Journey Inspires Mother-Daughter Business

20-year-old Frida Sofia's near-death experience led her mother to start a small gummy candy company to support the family.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 12:47am

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Frida Sofia, a 20-year-old from Fresno, California, was diagnosed with Stage 3 gastrointestinal stromal tumor and Von Willebrand disease in 2024 after a terrifying medical emergency at her high school prom. Through a long and painful recovery, Frida's mother started a small gummy candy business called Frida Sofia's Gummies to help cover medical costs and stay close to her daughter during every appointment. Today, Frida is cancer-free and plans to become an oncologist to help others who have gone through similar experiences.

Why it matters

Frida's story highlights the immense challenges faced by young cancer patients and their families, as well as the creative ways they find to overcome financial and logistical obstacles. Her mother's decision to start a small business from home allowed her to be present for Frida's recovery while also generating income to support the family. This heartwarming tale of perseverance and entrepreneurship in the face of adversity is an inspiration to the local Fresno community.

The details

Frida Sofia was a high school senior in June 2023 when routine health checks for her Certified Nursing Assistant program revealed she was severely anemic, requiring weekly iron infusions throughout her senior year. By March 2024, doctors believed her condition had stabilized, but just two months later at her high school prom, Frida threw up blood and was rushed to the hospital. Doctors performed an emergency endoscopy and discovered three tumors in her stomach - she was diagnosed with Stage 3 gastrointestinal stromal tumor and the rare blood disorder Von Willebrand disease. Surgery successfully removed the tumors, but recovery was long and painful. With Frida's mother by her side through every step, she was eventually declared cancer-free. To support the family during this difficult time, Frida's mother started making and selling chamoy gummies under the brand Frida Sofia's Gummies, which has gained attention online.

  • In June 2023, routine health checks revealed Frida was severely anemic.
  • Throughout her senior year in 2023-2024, Frida received weekly iron infusions.
  • In March 2024, doctors believed Frida's condition had stabilized.
  • In May 2024, Frida threw up blood at her high school prom and was rushed to the hospital.
  • Doctors performed an emergency endoscopy in May 2024 and discovered three tumors in Frida's stomach.

The players

Frida Sofia

A 20-year-old Fresno resident who was diagnosed with Stage 3 gastrointestinal stromal tumor and Von Willebrand disease in 2024 after a medical emergency at her high school prom. She is now cancer-free and plans to become an oncologist.

Frida Sofia's Gummies

A small gummy candy business started by Frida's mother to help cover medical costs and allow her to be present for Frida's recovery.

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What they’re saying

“At prom, I threw up blood. That night the ambulance took me to the hospital.”

— Frida Sofia (kmph.com)

“My mom has really been the only one there for me. She was there holding my hand when I was dying.”

— Frida Sofia (kmph.com)

“I've been through a lot, but I'm still here. I was told I was going to die. I was told that was it for me. But now I don't have cancer anymore. I'm in school to be a doctor. I want to be an oncologist so I can help patients who have what I had.”

— Frida Sofia (kmph.com)

What’s next

Frida continues to undergo MRI checkups every four months to monitor her health, and Frida Sofia's Gummies continues to gain attention online through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

The takeaway

Frida's inspiring story of survival and her mother's entrepreneurial spirit in the face of immense medical challenges is a testament to the power of family, determination, and the ability to turn tragedy into opportunity. Their journey serves as an uplifting example of how a community can rally around a young cancer patient and their loved ones.