From Specialized Treatment to Compassionate Care: Abigail’s Story

“Valley Children’s has helped us throughout our treatment every step of the way and in even more ways than I could’ve imagined. The feeling I have knowing my daughter is in their care is what helps us through this.”

– Perla, Abigail's mom

As an active little girl, a healthy Abigail would run, jump and play. Perla, Abigail’s mom, noticed a lump on her leg which had grown since she first noticed it. She knew something wasn’t right and went to Valley Children’s Emergency Department. Abigail’s journey with Valley Children’s began in May 2024 – three days before her seventh birthday – as she needed comprehensive testing to evaluate the mass in her thigh.

“I lost my mother to cancer, and when we noticed this mass on Abigail’s knee, I refused to waste any time to get the necessary care that could save her life,” shared Perla. “While she didn’t ‘look’ visibly ill, I felt that something wasn’t right. Maybe it was a mother’s intuition? But I went directly to Valley Children’s for answers. Screening alone felt scary, but I knew it was what my daughter needed.”

Through 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.

“From the moment Abigail was diagnosed, our team started coordinating the resection of the primary tumor,” shared Dr. Ruetima Titapiwatanakun (Dr. Ti to her patients), 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.”

“Valley Children’s has helped us throughout our treatment every step of the way and in even more ways than I could’ve imagined. The feeling I have knowing my daughter is in their care is what helps us through this,” shared Perla. 

“Today, Abigail’s results look promising — recent scans show no evidence of disease,” added Dr. Ti. “We are pleased with her treatment progress and will continue to monitor her closely.”

“We understand that the emotional toll of a diagnosis like Abigail’s can be immense, and that is why we are here — to provide an extended network of support to help families cope through the process with as much ease and peace of mind as possible,” added Amanda.

Valley Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center: Compassionate, Expert Care Every Step of the Way

At Valley Children’s, we are committed to providing expert medical care and compassionate support for patients at every stage. Our Cancer and Blood Disorders Center offers comprehensive services for diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancers, ranging from common to rare and complex conditions. When medical care alone isn’t enough, our team — including nurse navigators, case managers, social workers, child life specialists and interpreter services — support families with their diverse and evolving needs

As the only pediatric oncology provider between Los Angeles and the Bay Area, out Cancer and Blood Disorders Center offers specialized care that truly cares — combining expert diagnosis, cutting-edge treatment protocols and genuine compassion.

Learn more about our Cancer and Blood Disorders Center