For nine-year-old Asher, a cancer diagnosis came after months of back and forth with doctors. After experiencing stomach pain on and off, which his mom Gloria thought was from sports, Asher was taken to the ER when he developed a fever. As an Emergency Room nurse, Gloria went in thinking the worst case scenario would be a diagnosis of appendicitis.
Asher had labs done and a CT scan. During the scan, doctors found something concerning and ordered additional imaging to better understand what was going on. They met with a surgeon at their local hospital, who initially believed the mass had always been there and recommended monitoring it. After a few months of monitoring, Asher underwent a biopsy. That’s when they received a cancer diagnosis.
After many months of scans, doctors believed it could be five or six different things, but none of them were cancer. Asher’s parents were completely shocked. They never let their minds go there because no one suggested that’s what it could be. “You never think it’s going to be you or happen to your family,” said Gloria.
Once Asher received his diagnosis, things began to move quickly. He was diagnosed with a rare desmoplastic small round cell tumor, which is a soft tissue sarcoma. His cancer is so rare that only about 200 cases have been reported since it was discovered in 1989 (cancer.gov).
During Asher’s first appointment, his doctor and nurse came into the room with a binder of information and a detailed schedule for his care. “They were so prepared and all over taking care of Asher,” said Gloria.
Throughout treatment, Four Diamonds has helped ease the financial burden on Asher’s family, allowing them to focus fully on his care without the added stress of medical expenses. Because his care at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital is out of network for their insurance, the process often came with additional challenges. Four Diamonds helped the family navigate those barriers and ensured Asher could continue receiving the care he needed without delay.
“When Asher needed a special medication, insurance required approval before we could get it,” Gloria said. “Four Diamonds helped us access it in a timely manner. They’ve taken on a financial burden that no family should have to carry.”
Asher’s treatment began with inpatient and outpatient chemotherapy, lasting days and sometimes weeks at a time, with rest periods in between. During those hospital stays, Asher looked forward to music therapy with Hunter, art therapy with Alexis, Child Life interactions with Devon and visits from the facility dog, Baron. These moments brought friendship, comfort and support during an incredibly difficult time. Asher and his family also formed meaningful connections with other patients on the oncology unit, which helped them feel seen, understood and less alone.
Outside of the hospital, Asher stayed connected to his support system through his iPad Mini. Whether he was FaceTiming friends and family or playing video games, these moments helped him hold onto a sense of normalcy.
The next phase of Asher’s treatment was tumor removal surgery. His mom remembers watching him walk after such a major procedure and being struck by his strength. These simple but powerful moments became a source of hope for their family.
Throughout the entire process, Asher and his family have worked to maintain a positive mindset. They try not to focus on fear or uncertainty. While cancer is overwhelming, they choose to focus on what Asher has accomplished and the strength he continues to show each day.
As their journey continues with radiation and chemotherapy, their hope grows with each positive scan. One especially meaningful moment came during their school’s Mini-THON® Gold Out Game in the fall. “Six months ago, Asher was barely getting around after his surgery, and now he is running across the field and being lifted into the air by cheerleaders. We see hope in the return to normalcy,” said Gloria.
Asher’s diagnosis has impacted the entire family. While treatment affects him physically, emotionally and mentally, his parents and siblings are navigating the challenges alongside him. They work to maintain a sense of normalcy, but appointments, treatments and unexpected illness can quickly shift their day-to-day lives.
For the past couple of years, Asher has been bravely fighting a rare cancer. Now, with hope, he and his family are nearing the end of treatment, and Asher is already planning a big party to celebrate everything he’s overcome.