Osteosarcoma
The Facts, Reality & Stories of Childhood Cancer
The Facts, Reality & Stories of Childhood Cancer
Pictured: Madison | Osteosarcoma | 2012-2019
Osteosarcoma is the most common cancer of the bone. Osteosarcoma starts when a change or mutation occurs in a young cell within the bone. The change allows the cell to grow uncontrollably and form cancerous tumors that can weaken the bone, cause pain, and spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs. Osteosarcoma most often affects the bones of the arms and legs, particularly around the knee joint and in the upper arm near the shoulder, but can also occur in any bone in the body. Osteosarcoma most commonly affects teenagers and young adults, but it can occasionally occur in younger children.
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.
Madison was diagnosed in April of 2018 with osteosarcoma at age five. After several rounds of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor on her femur, she had surgery to remove her right femur and replace it with one from a cadaver. Fortunately, the medical team was able to remove most of the tumor and save both of Madison’s growth plates. Fortunately, the medical team was able to remove most of the tumor and save both of Madison’s growth plates.
Madison and her family learned that her cancer returned when a tumor was found in her lungs in September 2019.
Madison passed away from Osteosarcoma on December 21, 2019, at 7 years old. We only wish we could have done enough in time to help save your life. You will forever be in our hearts as we push forward in your honor.