Pediatric Lymphoma Patient Stories

Jessica’s Journey: Overcoming Lymphoma (Father’s Words)

On December 24, 2022, our world was shattered when we received the heart-wrenching news that our beloved daughter had been diagnosed with stage 2 lymphoma. The holiday season, meant to be joyous, was clouded with the weight of this devastating revelation.

Kaden’s Journey with Burkitt’s Lymphoma (In Mother’s Words)

Our lives were turned upside down when Kaden was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma at the age of 12, on April 20, 2023. What we initially thought was just a sore throat turned out to be a mass in his neck, eventually leading to the discovery of cancer throughout his body.

Porter's Story: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

What first looked like a harmless case of snoring turned into a diagnosis no parent ever expects: lymphoma. But with the support of Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida, Porter and his family are handling his condition with confidence and strength.

Charlie’s Story: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

In February 2023, we noticed a sore develop on Charlie’s side. But being a normal 3-year-old little boy, we shook it off as a stick poke or a bug bite from playing outside. As time progressed, not only did the sore get bigger, but Charlie started falling asleep on the couch and experiencing fevers of 102-103 degrees.

Sebastian’s Story: Hope of a Warrior

One day in May of 2022, Sebastian came home sad after school, causing me to worry about his unusual behavior as he is a very happy child. I asked Sebastian if something was wrong and if he was being bullied at school. He assured me he was just unusually exhausted. The following day, Sebastian was in the same down mood, but had a fever this time.

Dr. Manny Gonzales: From Pediatric Cancer Survivor to Aspiring Pediatric Oncologist

Ten years ago, my life was forever changed by three words: “You have cancer.” Those words shocked my invincible-minded adolescence into reality. I was a 15-year-old sophomore in high school, and I was terrified beyond comprehension. I knew nothing about cancer, chemotherapy or what was about to happen to me.