A story of faith and strength for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
“We are from the countryside. We don’t have big hospitals like this with elevators. This was our first time,” said Raúl García, recalling his family’s first visit to the Children’s Pavilion and Tower.
It was at that visit on November 25, 2024 that García’s 8-year-old daughter, Estrella, was diagnosed with cancer.
Beginning the childhood cancer journey
Raúl and his wife Beatriz had noticed a lump on their daughter’s lower leg. They took her to the doctor near their home about an hour and a half southwest of Richmond. She recommended hot and cold compresses, but three office visits later, they still weren’t helping. That’s when she referred them to CHoR.
Raúl and Estrella’s first stop was the second level of our Children’s Pavilion for a series of radiology studies.
“They said they were seeing something they didn’t like, so they did an MRI,” said Raúl. “Then we met Dr. [Frances] Austin and she told me my daughter had cancer. We never went back home. My wife came and Estrella was admitted to the Children’s Tower.”
A biopsy the following day revealed that Estrella’s cancer – specifically rhabdomyosarcoma – was in stage 4. The 48-week treatment plan ahead would involve a grueling combination of strong chemo, surgeries, lumbar punctures, inpatient stays – including over Christmas – and outpatient visits.
Happiness despite the dark days of cancer
Estrella’s parents describe her as a very happy child, but she’s not herself when she’s getting chemo. No one is. Now in week 43 of treatment, they recognize how far they’ve come and the people who’ve helped along the way. Dr. Austin has been with them from the start, explaining to Estrella why it’s important to continue through the whole treatment so there are no bad cells left in her body.
“She always spoke to us with the truth and step by step she was always telling us what was going on,” said Beatriz. “She is an angel. God put her in our path. We are very grateful.”
Dr. Laura Boomer has also been critical, skillfully performing multiple surgeries, from tumor removal to port placement, and has earned a special place in the family’s heart. Ms. Katie and nurse Dianna in the outpatient clinic and the teams from ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation and Connor’s Heroes have also blessed them with kindness and gifts, both tangible and intangible.
The nurses have been “super special” too, but it’s been Estrella’s child life specialist, Gabby Lamb, who has brought the biggest smiles during the darkest days of this journey.
“She is very close to Gabby. She gives her gifts and plays games,” added Beatriz. “She had to stay in the hospital for two weeks and was very low energy. At any moment Gabby would come in and just brighten her day. She made her come out of the room and walk around and play.”
“I made a book to teach Estrella about her diagnosis and treatment and read this with her,” said Gabby. “I also would use different crafts to encourage her to participate in physical therapy and spend time out of bed. When she began radiation, I talked to her about what to expect and made a sticker chart for her to track her progress with her long treatment. She was so excited to pick out a prize at the end and proud to show off all she did!”
When Estrella is feeling up to it, she loves playing dolls with her cousin, riding her bike and having video calls with her grandparents. She likes reading and learning too, though a teacher is coming to her home to teach her second grade curriculum until she’s healthy enough to return to school in person.
“Estrella's family is so caring and incredible at supporting Estrella through this time. Estrella is so resilient, kind and funny,” Gabby added.
Cheering on the home team during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Earlier this month, Estrella and her parents cheered on the Richmond Flying Squirrels for ASK Night at the Diamond in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
“We had never been to a stadium. We were making videos, taking pictures. We got to meet the players. It was so fun. It was beautiful,” said Raúl.
In the right place to get cancer care at CHoR
Though they’re traveling a road they didn’t expect, Raúl and Beatriz continue counting their blessings along the way. Originally from Mexico, they recognize that living here before diagnosis and during treatment has helped their daughter get the care she needs.
“Here, lives get saved. The doctors are so wonderful,” said Raúl.
For now, Estrella is full of energy. Her appetite has improved too – especially when it comes to tacos and chicken, her favorites. She’s gaining weight and getting ready for the final push to the end of treatment. One day, the Garcías won’t have to make the drive to Richmond or navigate the elevators and hallways of the hospital. Until then, they’ll keep putting one foot in front of the other, fighting the good fight alongside their committed care team at CHoR.
“We have gone through a lot. It’s been tough, but we are getting better,” added Raúl. “We have a lot of faith in God. We want to show gratitude to everyone here. Everyone in the hospital has been so great to us.”