On May 12th, 2025, a Fort Hamilton High School senior lost a long battle against cancer. Natalie Escobar was someone who left an indelible imprint on her friends, family and those around her. Though her journey with cancer was marked by challenges, her story is defined by courage and strength.
Escobar faced a harsh challenge, battling both brain and colon cancer. Even as she moved in and out of treatment, she never let her illness define her.
“Her illness made it impossible to get any continuity…but in between I discovered a kind, strong young lady who didn’t use her condition as an excuse,” said Mr. Alvear, Escobar’s English teacher. “She persevered and wanted more than anything to be just like everyone else.”
Despite her medical challenges, Escobar maintained high academic standing, remaining an honors student throughout all years at Fort. Even throughout her treatment, she participated in online learning to maintain her studies. She earned acceptance into five colleges with dreams of becoming a doctor, fueled by her strong desire to help others and her ability to bravely fight through every obstacle.
Escobar, however, was more than her academic achievements or her battle with cancer. She was a beacon of joy, creativity and friendship. Her friends remember her as someone who made them feel at ease and whose calm and understanding nature created a safe space for others.
“Every time I was with Natalie, I always felt comfortable and reassured by her presence,” said senior Jasmine Garcia Lopez, a friend of Natalie. “She understood me so well, despite the short time we had together.”
Escobar also had a passionate love for music. Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande were among her favorites, and she also adored all things Disney and Pokemon. She had a unique personality, reflected by her many interests: collecting Yoshi plushies, making bracelets, doing nail art and drawing. Escobar’s sense of fashion was also unforgettable.
“It suited her so flawlessly,” said friend and Fort student Jackelyn Lopez.
Natalie’s creativity, humor and loyalty made her an invaluable friend. One might have often spotted her playing card games at lunch with her friends, trading jokes in class or walking with her friends in the hallways.
“Her spirit was very fiery, especially when we played Uno during lunch and through iMessage,” Jackelyn Lopez said. “She was very funny and loved to have quality time with the ones she loved.”
“Unlike other people she was very slow to anger and was always smiling when I would find her along the hallways or in the classes we had together,” Jasmine Garcia Lopez said.
In honor of Escobar and others bravely facing similar battles, Fort Hamilton went gray on May 16th as part of Brain Cancer Awareness Month. Gray is the color for Brain Cancer Awareness, and Fort’s wearing these colors was a simple, yet powerful way to show their support for her.
Escobar’s life was one that embodied resilience, kindness and the power of simply being present for others. Her light, though gone from this world, continues to shine in every memory, every laugh, and every heart she touched.
