Neuroblastoma
The Facts, Reality & Stories of Childhood Cancer
The Facts, Reality & Stories of Childhood Cancer
Pictured: Isabella | Neuroblastoma | 2005-2012
Neuroblastoma is a type of solid tumor that occurs in the developing cells of the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is a nerve network that carries messages throughout the body. Sympathetic nerves are responsible for actions of the body that are not under voluntary control, such as increasing heart rate, blushing, and dilating the pupils of the eye. Neuroblastoma begins when a change or mutation occurs in a young cell of the sympathetic nervous system, known as a neuroblast. The change allows neuroblasts to grow uncontrollably and form cancerous tumors. Neuroblastoma can begin anywhere in the body, but is most commonly found in the adrenal gland, located on top of the kidney. Other common locations for neuroblastoma include the neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis, near the spine. Neuroblastoma can spread to other areas of the body, including the bone marrow, bones, and lymph nodes. Neuroblastoma usually occurs in infants and young children. It is uncommon in older children and teenagers. About 7 out of every 100 children with cancer will have neuroblastoma.
The Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF) is committed to improving rare pediatric cancer treatment options in an effort to increase the survival rates of kids with cancer so they can live their dreams. Our partnership with Levine Children’s Hospital funds The Isabella Santos Foundation Rare & Solid Tumor Program to provide the most comprehensive care and treatments for pediatric cancer in our community and across the globe. This clinic will offer the most advanced clinical treatments, including precision medicine and novel clinical trials, to bring forward the newest therapies and improve outcomes in childhood cancer.
Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among U.S. children.
It started with a girl… and she is changing the world…
On March 9th, 2005, Isabella Joanne Santos came into the world. Her first two years were filled with memories and milestones just like every other child. In the summer of 2007, she began to complain of frequent back and stomach pain. After months of misdiagnosis, an MRI revealed a tumor in her abdomen and showed the disease had spread to her bone marrow. On October 4, 2007, she was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma.