At just 3 years old, when early childhood is typically defined by outdoor play and learning, young “Mae Mae” is confronting an arduous medical challenge following a diagnosis of Stage 4 High-Risk Neuroblastoma.
Neuroblastoma is a rare pediatric cancer originating from neuroblasts—immature nerve cells of the sympathetic nervous system—most commonly arising in the adrenal glands or nerve tissue along the spine.
In stage 4 neuroblastoma, the disease has metastasized beyond the primary tumor site to distant lymph nodes, bone marrow, bone tissue, liver, or other organ systems, classifying it as a high-risk malignancy that necessitates immediate, intensive clinical intervention.
An Arduous Multi-Modal Treatment Plan
Treating stage 4 neuroblastoma in toddlers involves an aggressive, multi-phase clinical regimen designed to eradicate circulating tumor cells and minimize the risk of disease recurrence:
-
Induction Therapy: Multiple rounds of high-dose combination chemotherapy intended to shrink the primary mass and clear metastatic involvement.
-
Surgical Intervention: Tumor debulking or complete surgical resection performed by specialized pediatric surgical oncologists.
-
Consolidation & Stem Cell Transplant: Myeloablative conditioning therapy paired with autologous stem cell rescue to restore bone marrow function, followed by proton beam or intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
-
Targeted Immunotherapy: Monoclonal antibody treatments combined with cytokines to stimulate the patient’s immune system to identify and destroy remaining neuroblasts.
A Community United in Hope
Despite the grueling physical demands of ongoing hospitalization, blood transfusions, and oncology visits, Mae Mae’s family reports that her gentle spirit and resilience continue to bring comfort to loved ones and hospital staff alike.
By sharing their daughter’s journey, the family aims to raise awareness for pediatric cancer research and connect with other families navigating rare pediatric diagnoses. Encouraging messages, prayers, and well-wishes continue to pour in from supporters across the globe, offering a steady stream of solidarity as Mae Mae continues her fight toward recovery.