Patient Stories

Team Approach, Early Intervention Save Girl's Sight
In 2002, Jenna Jongsma was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that can affect vision, growth and development. In Jenna's case, the condition also led to the development of an optic glioma, a tumor that threatened her sight. Comer Children’s Hospital specialists in oncology and neurology worked together with Jenna’s community physicians to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Novel Technique Used to Remove Tumor in Infant's Liver
Just months after her birth, infant Chloe Lobins had surgery to remove part of her liver due to hepatoblastoma, a type of liver cancer. Little Chloe is believed to be the smallest infant ever to undergo a massive liver resection for a primary liver cancer.

Familial Cancer Clinic Helps Families Make the Most Important Decision
Marc Myers survived a bout with acute lymphoblastic leukemia as a child. But years later, Marc's growth slowed, and he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. However, the decision to treat his deficiency was complicated by a family history of colon cancer. If Marc inherited the cancer mutation, he could not have growth hormone treatment. Dr. Kenan Onel recommended a full assessment at the Familial Cancer Clinic to determine the best options for Marc.

Precision Teamwork for Metastasized Brain Tumor Provides a New Lease on Life
At age five, Arusha Pratt was diagnosed with a malignant pineoblastoma--a type of brain tumor. Teamwork and an aggressive treatment plan saved her life. Ten years later, she's thriving.