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Leo, 5
Wilms' tumor
Leo is 5 years old and can't wait to start kindergarten after a cancer diagnosis at age 2. His oncologist, Dr. Jenny Ruiz, is a three-time Conquer Cancer grant recipient, working to improve survival rates and reduce toxic side effects for her young patients.
“Dr. Ruiz gave me a treatment plan to get rid of my cancer,” said Leo, who is excited to make new friends at school this year.
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Wilms' tumor
A Wilms' tumor is always cancerous and is the most common type of kidney cancer diagnosed in children. A cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body. However, a Wilms' tumor is very different from adult kidney cancer. Learn more about Wilms' tumor.
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James, 12
Rhabdomyosarcoma
James is starting a new chapter of his life - becoming a teen soon and starting junior high school this year!
James, who wants to be a shoe designer, is cancer-free after being diagnosed at age 7 with a mass in his stomach. He credits his doctor, two-time Conquer Cancer grant recipient, Dr. Jaime Libes, for "taking out the tumor in my belly and giving me medicine to help kill the cancer."
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Mia, 8
Rhabdomyosarcoma
In 3rd grade, Mia will learn how to multiply numbers and draft book reports. But she already knows how to endure cancer treatment.
"Stay still when you have pokes, be brave, try to be calm,” shares Mia, age 8. “Just keep fighting."
Mia is the patient of Dr. Jessica Lake, a Conquer Cancer grant recipient. Dr. Lake’s research focuses on finding new therapies for children and adolescents with sarcoma, bone cancer and connective tissue malignancies. She has been with Mia since her diagnosis and happy to see her all the way through to being cancer-free!
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Rhabdomyosarcoma
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma that begins in mesenchymal cells, which are immature cells that normally become muscle. It develops in a type of muscle called striated muscle. Striated muscles are the skeletal voluntary muscles, which are the muscles of the arms, legs, and rest of the body that people can control. Rhabdomyosarcoma is most frequently found in children and young adults. Learn more about rhabdomyosarcoma.
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Adam, 4
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
After a diagnosis at age 3, Adam is starting pre-kindergarten and cannot wait to see his friends and teachers. His oncologist is Conquer Cancer grant recipient Dr. Jaclyn Rosenzweig.
"I have known Adam and his family for almost 1.5 years. He completed treatment for AML 8 months ago. It has been so rewarding to be able to watch him recover and grow and even become a big brother!" says Rosenzweig. "Adam has always been a bright light. He loves to have dance parties with his doctors and nurses and always knows the best songs to request!"
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Acute myeloid leukemia
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of leukemia that is a cancer of the blood-forming tissue in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside your bones. Learn more about acute myeloid leukemia.
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Abigail, 8
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
Eight-year-old Abigail started her treatment for ALL two years ago at the Mbingo Baptist Hospital in Cameroon. Despite a challenging, socio-political environment, Abigail's grandmother remained steadfast in helping her get help from Conquer Cancer grant recipient, Dr. Kouya Francine, who is happy to announce Abigail has completed treatment!
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Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer of the immature lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell involved in the body’s immune system. Learn more about acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
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Meet Conquer Cancer-Funded Pediatric Researchers
When you help researchers study childhood cancer, you help kids everywhere make the grade!
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Dr. Kouya Francine
In the west-central African country Cameroon, Dr. Francine is known as “the pioneer of childhood cancer”. In addition to her research and caring for patients, she works with numerous organizations across Africa to provide at home care to people in rural areas and free or subsidized services to patients who are uninsured.
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 Dr. Jessica Lake
Dr. Lake studies new ways to use the immune system to eliminate cancer. Her research focuses on finding new therapies for sarcoma, a cancer of bone and connective tissues.
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 Dr. Jaime Libes
As a global pediatric oncologist, Dr. Libes works to advance care for patients in the U.S. and abroad, including those living in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Using support from her Conquer Cancer grant, Dr. Libes developed and trained a team of passionate health care providers in Kenya to help treat children with cancer.
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 Dr. Jenny Ruiz
Dr. Ruiz is a three-time Conquer cancer grant and award recipient who specializes in in pediatric hematology and oncology. Her research and advocacy work includes making cancer care accessible and equitable for all patients.
Learn more about Dr. Ruiz's work.
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