Patient Stories
Inspiring Journeys of Resilience, Hope & Determination
When a child faces cancer or a blood disorder, we witness the true meaning of courage. Our young patients approach each day with unwavering spirit, lighting up our halls with their smiles even during challenging times. With support from devoted families and our specialized team, they teach us lessons about strength that go far beyond medicine.
These stories reflect the deep connections formed during treatment journeys, from late-night hospital stays to milestone celebrations. While each path is different, they all share a common thread of hope and perseverance.
This is just a glimpse of the thousands of brave children we treat each year. You can follow more about our patients' experiences through the Nemours Blog.
A Breakthrough for Blakleigh
When standard treatments weren't working for 4-year-old Blakleigh's aggressive liver cancer, her family found new hope at Nemours. Our pioneering targeted radiation therapy, available at only a select few pediatric hospitals, offered hope when traditional chemotherapy could not. See how our innovative approach helped give Blakleigh a second chance.
Music, Medicine & Unshakable Spirit
When 17-year-old Cameron first felt pain in his foot, no one suspected cancer. But after his diagnosis of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, his response was simple: "Is it curable?" he asked. "Yes." "Cool." This unique spirit carried him through treatment, where he discovered an unexpected gift: Music therapy. In addition to a new love for the guitar, his story led him to the halls of Congress, where he advocated for other kids facing cancer.
Meet Our Patients
Meet children and teens who face blood cancers with courage. Their stories highlight not just medical victories, but moments of joy, friendship, and hope found along the way.
Porter | A young boy with a rare form of lymphoma shares many moments of joy and friendships made along the way.
Cameron | As a leukemia survivor, this young man raises awareness about childhood cancer and survivorship.
Charlie | An active boy who fought lymphoma with the help of many friends and caregivers supporting his journey.
Manny | A survivor who, years after lymphoma treatment at Nemours, was inspired to become a pediatric oncologist.
Grayson | A little warrior who never gives up his fight against leukemia, supported by his family and care team.
Karina | Always positive, this vibrant, determined child with Down syndrome doesn’t let leukemia stand in her way.
Every child with a solid tumor has a unique story of strength. Our patients face complex treatments for conditions like neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor with extraordinary spirit.
Jenna | An strong young woman who years after surviving thyroid cancer shares her story of hope and healing.
Andrew | A story of survivorship, this young man shares his perspective 18 years after lifesaving care at Nemours.
Lulu | A baby born with neuroblastoma, hear how Nemours made her cancer care after birth a little easier for the family.
Madison | A teenager who, since being diagnosed with retinoblastoma at age 2, benefits from our ongoing care and support.
Marjorie | A young girl who won her fight against neuroblastoma celebrates being cancer free, thanks to her Nemours care team.
Arianna | A teenager who was diagnosed with retinoblastoma in both eyes as a young child, gets expert care here.
Sebastian | Diagnosed with Wilm’s tumor, this young man received care from Nemours doctors across the miles.
From rare bone cancers to soft tissue sarcomas, our patients face complex diagnoses with determination. Through it all, they show us that spirit and perseverance know no bounds.
Eric | A student athlete who didn’t let a tumor on his hip/pelvis keep him from doing what he loves.
Harry | Diagnosed with a sarcoma in the mouth, Harry and his family share their positive journey at Nemours and optimism for the future.
Our patients and their families navigate complex challenges with grace. These stories showcase the bonds formed between families and our team, and the milestones, both big and small, achieved along the way.
Ethan | After “ringing the bell” at the end of treatment, Ethan’s family shares his superhero story of perseverance.
Maddie | A teenager and cancer survivor has much to celebrate after successful treatment at Nemours.
Allen | A young man shares his whirlwind journey that included six brain surgeries, proton therapy and more.
Alexis | A young lady who recently participated in a triathlon, recounts how faith and determination brought healing.
Living with blood disorders takes strength. Our patients show us what resilience looks like every day as they manage their conditions with determination and hope.
Madison | A young girl diagnosed with HLH found expert care at a place where her family felt at home.
LJ | A brave, active young boy with sickle cell lives life to the fullest, thanks to his Nemours care team.
From Patient to Physician
At 15, Manny heard three words that changed his life: "You have cancer." What followed was not just a journey of survival, but a path to discovering his life's purpose. Manny transformed his experience into a mission to help others. He shares his story how he came back to Nemours, but not as a patient. As a resident physician caring for children just like him.