From Specialized Treatment to Compassionate Care: Abigail’s Story

“When I found something in her leg, I was scared,” remembers Abigail’s mom, Perla, upon first seeing the mass in her little girl’s thigh. “It was terrifying. It was a process of not knowing what was going to happen, what we were going to face.”

It was three days before Abigail’s seventh birthday that her mother and father, Jose, rushed her to Valley Children’s Emergency Department.

“I was very nervous and scared,” said Abigail, as she was run through comprehensive testing

At Valley Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Abigail received a series of imaging studies, including an ultrasound, MRI and PET/CT. Her tissue biopsy and genetic testing confirmed the devastating news they had feared: Abigail was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in her left thigh, a rare childhood cancer of soft tissue.

“From the moment Abigail was diagnosed, our team started coordinating the resection of the primary tumor,” shared Dr. Ruetima Titapiwatanakun, Valley Children’s pediatric hematologist/oncologist. “Essential screening followed by swift action gave Abigail the best chance at recovery. Since surgery, she began systemic chemotherapy and radiation therapy to reduce the likelihood of tumor reoccurrence.”

Abigail’s journey hasn’t just been about medical treatment; coordinated care has been vital in ensuring Abigail receives the logistical support needed to access that care.

“Our team of nurse navigators, case managers and social workers have facilitated insurance authorizations, referrals, scans and have even helped with housing and transportation to make sure that every step of her journey is as smooth as possible for Abigail and her family,” shared Amanda Sanderson, Valley Children’s nurse navigator. “We have monitored Abigail’s progress at every turn, even when she needed off site care, and together, we have ensured optimal support and collaboration.”

“The fact that we were able to find the right care for her, and get her the care she needed, has made the journey a lot easier,” said Jose. “We’re thankful that everything has gone the way it has. Abigail is going to be fine, she’s going to live a long life.”

“What Abigail has shown us in the process is that children are so strong, that they recover, that they fight every day with each treatment,” said Perla. “And seeing her fight also gives us the strength to keep going.”