Cancer Center Patient Stories

While Julia’s diagnosis of a brain tumor was a shock to her family, the location and type of tumor meant surgery at CHOP was the only treatment she needed.

When she was 12, Maddie was very active — in particular, she practiced gymnastics several hours a day. But stomach pains and weight loss signaled the start of a challenging medical journey for her and her family. 

Diagnosed with leukemia at 3 months old, Asa received a revolutionary therapy that was pioneered at CHOP.

As a newborn, Ellie spent time in CHOP’s NICU. When she developed symptoms that led to a cancer diagnosis, the family knew that CHOP was the right place for care.

Genetic sequencing revealed that Rafi had an extremely rare, often fatal disease — and the discovery was amazingly made before he had serious symptoms.

Devon underwent surgery, chemotherapy and proton therapy for a brain tumor the size of a softball. Within months, she started college and made the Dean’s List.

After multiple rounds of chemotherapy couldn’t wipe out Johnny’s cancer, he came to CHOP and received two versions of CAR T-cell therapy.

Daniel’s leukemia came back five times. Since receiving an experimental treatment at CHOP called CAR T-cell therapy, he’s been cancer-free.

Vaida’s tumor is in her cheek, a rare location for a desmoid tumor. After surgery at CHOP, this 2-year-old has retained an impressive amount of facial muscle function.

After Rowan was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, she was treated with precision medicine at CHOP by experts in pediatric thyroid issues and rare pediatric cancers.