June is National Cancer Survivor Month, a time to recognize the strength and perseverance of those who have faced cancer and to celebrate the importance of childhood cancer survivorship. It is also an opportunity to reflect on life beyond treatment and the continued support survivors need as they move forward.
At Four Diamonds, that commitment extends well beyond a diagnosis. Through the Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital Childhood Cancer Survivorship Clinic, pediatric cancer survivors receive education about long term effects and ongoing monitoring. The clinic helps ensure each childhood cancer survivor is supported for years to come.
Angeles’s Diagnosis and Early Uncertainty
For survivors like Angeles, continued support makes all the difference.
When Angeles was ten years old, she began experiencing pain in her leg that caused her to limp. After an initial x-ray showed no clear cause, an MRI revealed a tumor in her left leg. She was referred to Golisano Children’s Hospital, where a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis: osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer.
At first, Angeles did not fully understand what the diagnosis meant. She remembers asking her doctor if she would lose her hair. When the answer was yes, the reality of what lay ahead began to set in. Facing so many unknowns at such a young age was scary.
Treatment and the Challenges Along the Way
Soon after her diagnosis, Angeles met with a Four Diamonds social worker who helped her family understand the support available to them. Because Four Diamonds covered the out-of-pocket costs of treatment, her parents were able to focus entirely on being by her side.
Her treatment included about nine months of chemotherapy. The side effects were difficult, often leaving her nauseous and unable to eat. “I never really felt good. It wasn’t always super painful, but I just never felt like myself,” Angeles shared.
She also underwent surgery on her femur to remove the cancer, where part of the bone was replaced with a metal rod. Recovery required time on crutches and added another layer of physical and emotional challenge.
Through it all, Four Diamonds provided comprehensive care and support for Angeles.
The Lasting Impact of Support
“The support from Four Diamonds made a huge difference. It meant everything as a patient and continues to mean everything today as a survivor,” said Angeles.
That support continues today through the Survivorship Clinic, where Angeles receives ongoing monitoring and guidance. “The clinic gives me reassurance because they monitor possible long-term effects that I would have missed on my own,” she said.
Survivorship care also includes access to vital resources. Because cancer treatment can affect fertility, Angeles has received support for fertility preservation. She is also connected with mental health providers to help navigate the emotional impact of life after cancer.
Full Circle: From Patient to Nurse
Today, Angeles has graduated with a degree in nursing and is preparing to work in the pediatric hematology oncology unit at Golisano Children’s Hospital, the same place where she received care.
During her treatment, the nurses who cared for her left a lasting impression. She remembers their constant presence, whether helping her take medication or simply sitting with her late at night during chemotherapy.
“My nurses were always there for me and helped me to be strong. It made a huge difference,” she said.
Now, she hopes to offer that same comfort to others. “I just want to make their day a little better because some of those days are their worst days,” Angeles shared.
A Message of Hope
Angeles hopes her story reminds other kids facing cancer that their diagnosis does not define their future.
Even through the most difficult moments, there is still the possibility of reaching their goals.
“I just want to be a sense of hope for others,” she said.
Angeles’s journey demonstrates how ongoing support can help survivors thrive long after treatment is over. Through continued care and resources, Four Diamonds is committed to walking alongside every child and family, ensuring survivors have what they need to build healthy, fulfilling futures.