Ariana's Fight Against Ewing Sarcoma

In March of this year, 13-year-old Ariana began complaining of pain in her left rib. After an ER visit and x-rays, we were told it was likely muscular. By Father’s Day, however, a small lump had appeared, and within a month it grew rapidly. Despite repeated efforts to advocate for her, we were brushed off and told it was “probably something orthopedic” since Ariana is an athlete.

Week after week, she endured pain, rest, ice, and Motrin—yet the pain only worsened, radiating to her shoulder. On August 5th, after being dismissed yet again, we decided to seek another opinion before returning to the ER. We went to an orthopedic ER, and with just one glance, Ariana was sent for a CT scan at Akron Children’s Hospital. There, doctors found a large mass wrapped around her ninth rib. Ariana’s worst fear came true in that moment. A couple of days later, she underwent five biopsies.

Ariana has since been diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare but aggressive bone cancer that affects about ten children per million each year. While waiting for the PET scan results, our prayers were answered.

Ariana loves to travel, adores the beach, and brings joy everywhere she goes. She looks forward to cheer practice whenever she’s able, and her team, coaches, and school have shown her incredible support.

She has had multiple appointments, tests, scans, and blood work. A port was quickly placed, and she also underwent a laparoscopic procedure to preserve her ovarian tissue—because even at 13, she knew how important it was to her to one day have children of her own. That decision shows the strength and maturity she brings to this fight.

Ariana continues treatment at Akron Children’s Hospital, where her care team has been extraordinary. She often undergoes nearly week-long chemotherapy stays at the main campus, with weekly treatments except for one week each month to allow her body to recover. Because of her low blood counts and risk of infection, she is on neutropenic precautions and now continues school through homeschooling.

Through it all, Ariana remains positive, resilient, and courageous. There are tough days, but she always gets back up and pushes forward.

Please keep Ariana and our family in your thoughts and prayers as we fight cancer and look toward victory at the end of this battle!

As one ER doctor told us: “A year from now, we want you to say, ‘I had cancer,’ not ‘I have cancer.’”

We hold on to that every single day.