Tag

Pediatric Cancer

All articles tagged with #pediatric cancer

Adams community bands together to celebrate Rowan's 5th birthday amid brain cancer fight
local2 days ago

Adams community bands together to celebrate Rowan's 5th birthday amid brain cancer fight

Rowan, a 4-year-old in Adams, Tennessee, who is fighting brain cancer, will turn 5 this weekend during a community celebration called Rally with Rowan (Sat, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Omer Gene Brooksher Pavilion). The event features live music, a silent auction, bounce houses, and a visit from the Easter Bunny, plus a blood drive in Rowan's name. She has required more than 80 blood and platelet transfusions in eight months, underscoring the life-saving role of donations coordinated by Blood Assurance for Vanderbilt’s Children’s Hospital. Attendees can also send birthday cards to Rowan.

Rash Misdiagnosis Uncovers Rare Pediatric Cancer-Like Disease
health17 days ago

Rash Misdiagnosis Uncovers Rare Pediatric Cancer-Like Disease

A 13-month-old in England was misdiagnosed with HPV and psoriasis after a rash; his mother pressed for further testing, leading to a diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a rare cancer-like disorder. He has undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy and ongoing treatment, with a GoFundMe set up to cover costs and the hospital apologizing for the initial concerns.

Mother Recounts Daughter's Battle and Loss to Rare Pediatric Cancer
health20 days ago

Mother Recounts Daughter's Battle and Loss to Rare Pediatric Cancer

Kiersten Peterson shares the heartbreaking story of her daughter Aspen, who was diagnosed with stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma after flu-like symptoms in 2023, relapsed and went on hospice after intensive treatment, and died at age 6 in March 2026. A viral video from February 2026 highlighted Aspen’s vibrant spirit before the illness, and Peterson emphasizes faith, memories, and the importance of supporting children and families facing pediatric cancer.

Mother recounts Aspen’s brave fight from flu-like illness to hospice and loss at 6
health21 days ago

Mother recounts Aspen’s brave fight from flu-like illness to hospice and loss at 6

Kiersten Peterson’s daughter Aspen was diagnosed with stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma at age 4 after flu-like symptoms, relocating to Boston for aggressive treatment and achieving remission for about 10 months before relapse spread to her lungs and lymph nodes. Aspen endured more chemotherapy, was placed on hospice in 2025, and died on March 3, 2026, at age 6. Peterson describes trying to keep Aspen's life normal, the support from family, friends, and online communities, and the heartbreak of watching her fade away, while urging other parents to spend time with their kids and hold onto faith. A viral February 2026 video highlighted Aspen’s enduring spirit during her illness.

Scottish teen’s chest pain labeled anxiety ends in cancer, fueling push for ‘Isla’s Law’
health2 months ago

Scottish teen’s chest pain labeled anxiety ends in cancer, fueling push for ‘Isla’s Law’

Isla Sneddon, then 15, had a breast lump and chest pain in 2022 that doctors reportedly dismissed as hormonal changes or anxiety. Two years later she was diagnosed with cancer that had spread to the heart lining, lungs, and lymph nodes, with doctors telling her it wasn’t curable; she died at 17. Her family is campaigning for changes to treat pediatric cancer referrals with the same urgency as adults, launching a Change.org petition called Isla’s Law and prompting a meeting with Scotland’s Health Secretary as the petition gains thousands of signatures.

"THON 2024 Shatters Fundraising Record, Raises $16.9 Million for Pediatric Cancer Fight"
charityfundraising2 years ago

"THON 2024 Shatters Fundraising Record, Raises $16.9 Million for Pediatric Cancer Fight"

THON 2024, a 46-hour dance marathon at Penn State, raised a record-breaking $16,955,683.63 for pediatric cancer, marking the third consecutive year of breaking its yearly record. The event, which involved 708 dancers, culminated a year's worth of fundraising efforts for Four Diamonds, bringing the total raised since 1977 to over $215 million. Fundraising for THON 2025 will begin soon as the fight against pediatric cancer continues.

"World's First: 13-Year-Old Cured of Rare Brain Cancer"
health2 years ago

"World's First: 13-Year-Old Cured of Rare Brain Cancer"

Lucas, a 13-year-old boy from Belgium, has become the first person to be cured of a deadly brain cancer, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), thanks to a miraculous recovery in France. Despite advances in pediatric cancer management, some types remain difficult to treat, posing a challenge for the medical world. Lucas's recovery offers hope for those affected by similar conditions.

"2024 Cancer Trends: Record High Diagnoses and Rising Colorectal Cases Among Younger Americans"
health2 years ago

"2024 Cancer Trends: Record High Diagnoses and Rising Colorectal Cases Among Younger Americans"

The American Cancer Society's 2024 report reveals a record high of over two million new cancer diagnoses in the US, with concerning increases in colorectal cancer among young people. However, there is a decrease in overall cancer death rates, except for endometrial cancer, which disproportionately affects women of color. Pediatric cancer rates are stabilizing, potentially due to HPV vaccination, offering hope for a more cancer-free future for children.

Misdiagnosed: The Shocking Twist in My Son's Benign Brain Tumor Journey
health2 years ago

Misdiagnosed: The Shocking Twist in My Son's Benign Brain Tumor Journey

The author shares her personal experience with her son's supposedly "benign" brain tumor, highlighting the misconceptions surrounding the term. Despite the initial relief, the tumor recurred and spread, leading to a difficult treatment journey with toxic side effects. The author emphasizes the need to change the perception of "benign" tumors, as they can still cause significant physical and neurological damage. Pediatric low-grade gliomas, although generally having a good prognosis, can result in long-term issues and require ongoing monitoring and treatment. The author calls for more research and awareness to eradicate these devastating tumors.

From Tragedy to Triumph: Daughter's Trial Drug Approved.
health3 years ago

From Tragedy to Triumph: Daughter's Trial Drug Approved.

Nathan Traller's daughter Nathalie was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that had no treatment protocol. After enrolling in a clinical trial and advocating for access to immunotherapy drugs, Nathalie became the first pediatric ASPS patient to take the drug. Although Nathalie passed away at 16, her advocacy work led to the FDA approval of the drug that helped her, and a pediatric clinical trial. Her tenacity also changed how clinical trials include people under 18. Nathalie's legacy lives on in the hope that other families facing an ASPS diagnosis will have access to a treatment protocol.