What started out as knee pain in February 2025 led to the diagnosis of cancer for then 15-year-old Riley Oldaker. Despite aggressive treatment and knee-replacement surgery, the teen’s spirit and love of laughter have never wavered.
Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive form of cancer that impacts the bones or surrounding tissues in
children, teens and young adults, but almost never in anyone with Down syndrome. So, when Riley received his diagnosis last year, oncologist Dr. Frances Austin said he was only one of two known cases in the world.
“I believe I got a huge bear hug the first time I met Riley,” remembered Katie Barber, a certified therapeutic recreation specialist in our oncology clinic. “He was always smiling, giving out hugs and being social with everyone.”
His big personality and smile took centerstage at our 2025 oncology prom. He arrived wearing a dapper three-piece suit and showed no qualms about breaking out his dance moves despite having his IV pole in tow. The prom happened right in the middle of Riley’s chemotherapy regimen, but it didn’t stop him from being the life of the party, even while the toughest part of his aggressive treatment lay ahead.
Facing surgery and more chemotherapy
“He started chemo in March, but in July his chemo was paused for surgery. Dr. Anna Greenwood with VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center operated to remove the tumor from the top of his tibia,” explained his mom, Beth Oldaker. “During that surgery, he also received a knee replacement and only had 3 weeks to heal before continuing chemo for several more months.”
Because some days were tough, he turned to some of his favorite things to cope.
“Riley would either build with Legos, coming up with a "set" he wanted to construct, or he would put on his headphones and watch videos,” explained Katie. “But he never failed to give everyone smiles, many times hugs, even on his worst days.”
Comforted by the compassionate care from everyone he encountered
His mom said each team member Riley encountered made those hard days easier.
“Every staff member we met truly cared: the nurses gave their all to make the pokes and meds and alarms less scary, the doctors really listened to the family and adjusted care as needed, child life was there to explain scary surgical procedures in ways Riley could understand,” said Beth. “Nutrition went above and beyond for special dietary requests, the cleaning crew made sure his room was as clean as possible during immunocompromised times, the Child Life Zone created a safe space for him to escape the medical side of treatment and just play games and Ronald McDonald House staff provided dinners and snacks, as well as laundry facilities during those long hospital stays.”
But having family around was the best way to lift Riley’s spirits.
“Riley is such a loving young man with a wonderful, supportive family,” explained Katie. “He loves his big sister Traci and was always so excited when she came to clinic with him.”
Those hard days paid off.
Riley completed his chemo in October, and there was a packed house as the team lined the hall to watch Riley ring the bell, celebrating the end of his treatment, and of course he got more hugs than he could count.
“We cannot thank the staff at CHoR enough for all the love and support during Riley's cancer journey,” said Beth. “Every single person we interacted with really cared and wanted the best for Riley.”