From Diagnosis to Triumph: Karen’s Journey at Rady Children’s Hospital
At just 15 years old, Karen’s life was full of activity, laughter, and dreams for the future. A passionate athlete, she spent her days running up and down soccer fields, shooting hoops on the basketball court, and making memories with friends. But in January 2023, her world changed forever when she received a life-altering diagnosis: acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia.
“I remember the first few days after my diagnosis,” Karen recalls. “In my head, I kept telling myself, ‘Karen, you can’t go back. You can’t undo this. Now you have to face it.’ I knew I couldn’t change what had happened, but I could face it with strength and positivity.”
What followed was a journey filled with challenges that tested her resilience in ways sports never had. Chemotherapy brought intense physical changes: weakness in her legs and hands, hair loss, and the reality of needing help for even the simplest tasks. “I would fall going up stairs at home. I couldn’t walk like I used to. I had to depend on my mom or dad, and at first, that was really hard for me,” Karen shares. Yet even in the midst of pain and uncertainty, Karen’s spirit remained unbroken.
Her family and the expert care team at Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego became her lifeline. From the moment she arrived at the hospital, Karen was surrounded by compassionate professionals who understood the importance of treating her leukemia and her spirit. Dr. Wong, her primary oncologist, provided guidance, honesty, and encouragement, forming a bond with Karen that became pivotal in her recovery. “Dr. Wong is genuine. He always asked how school was going, what I was doing outside the hospital. He cared about me as a person, not just a patient,” she says.
The nurses, too, left an everlasting mark. With patience, kindness, and unwavering support, they made even the most difficult treatments bearable. Karen remembers the little things such as the reassurance in their words and the smiles that lifted her on tough days. “They made me feel loved and special, even when chemo was at its hardest. I never had to hide my pain from them—they just helped me through it,” she reflects.
After months of treatment, including a challenging 2.5-month inpatient stay and countless outpatient visits, Karen began reclaiming her life. Returning to school was a milestone, allowing her to reconnect with friends and gradually regain independence. She embraced leadership roles, shared her story with peers, and inspired others through her resilience. Karen even became a student director in her class, president of the Hispanic Student Union, and participated in programs that allowed her to advocate for a drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle.
Basketball, which had always been a central part of her life, remained a source of inspiration. Participating in the Rady Children’s Invitational (RCI) as a team captain, she reconnected with the game she loved and found motivation to keep striving toward her goals. “Being part of RCI gave me hope that even after my treatment, I could return to what I loved. It inspired me to keep pushing forward,” Karen says.
Rady Children’s Hospital didn’t just treat her leukemia, they helped Karen discover a new perspective on life. She learned to cherish small moments with loved ones, to embrace gratitude, and to give back to her community. “Before my diagnosis, I used to take everything for granted,” she explains. “Now, I value the people around me and every day I get to live. Life is precious, and nothing is eternal.”
Two years after her initial diagnosis, Karen celebrated a monumental milestone—ringing the bell at the end of her treatment, symbolizing triumph, resilience, and hope.
Today, Karen is thriving. She is a full-time student at Cal State San Marcos, pursuing a degree in pre-business, working part-time, and actively sharing her journey to inspire others. She has plans to serve in the Navy after graduation and continues to pursue new adventures, like learning to surf and swim.
Karen’s story is a testament to the extraordinary care at Rady Children’s Hospital and the power of community support. Every treatment, every encouraging word, and every milestone was made possible by donors who believe in hope, healing, and the promise of a brighter future for children facing serious illness.
“Rady became my home,” Karen says. “The doctors, nurses, and staff made me feel like I wasn’t just a patient. They helped me find my strength and inspired me to keep moving forward. I wouldn’t have been able to do this anywhere else.”
As Rady Children’s prepares for their annual NCAA basketball tournament, Rady Children’s Invitational, Karen’s journey reminds us that this event is about more than the game, it’s about the children whose lives are changed forever through extraordinary care. By supporting Rady Children’s, donors give kids like Karen a fighting chance, empowering them to not only survive but thrive.
Your generosity can light the way for children facing unimaginable challenges. Join us in making a difference because, for Karen and countless others, hope is the greatest victory of all.
