Sophie Zambrano’s cancer journey: A hero’s story

Sophie Zambrano’s journey through cancer is one of resilience, strength, and hope. In October 2019, when Sophie was just five years old, she was diagnosed with Wilms tumor, a rare and highly treatable form of kidney cancer that mostly affects children ages 5 and under. After undergoing surgery to remove the tumor, Sophie began chemotherapy and related treatment that lasted 19 weeks. Through it all, Sophie demonstrated courage and unwavering spirit, inspiring everyone around her.

A child’s journey through cancer treatment

The journey through cancer treatment is often a long and difficult one, especially for children. For Sophie, chemotherapy involved several hours of treatment, during which her mother, Maggie Zambrano, would hold her. Sophie experienced nausea, weakness, weight loss, and hair loss – all while trying to understand what was happening to her. But despite everything, Sophie never lost her spirit, and her mother’s love and support helped her through the toughest moments.

After 19 long weeks of treatment, Sophie rang the bell signaling the successful end of chemotherapy on May 9, 2019. She wore her Wonder Woman outfit that day, a fitting symbol of her strength and power in the face of adversity.

A hero’s journey to recovery

Five years after finishing chemotherapy, Sophie is cancer-free and thriving. Her annual visits to the St. Jude affiliate clinic at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital feel more like family reunions than check-ups. She loves playing tennis, soccer, and riding her scooter. She’s acing fourth grade at J. V. Washam Elementary School in Cornelius and enjoying every bite of her favorite dishes during family dinners at P. F. Chang’s. Sophie’s spirit and love of life never waned, even during her darkest days.

Wilms tumor: A rare but treatable form of kidney cancer

Wilms tumor is a rare form of kidney cancer that mostly affects children ages 5 and under. According to the American Cancer Society, 500 to 600 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. This type of cancer usually occurs in one kidney and can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or a mass in the stomach area, fever, high blood pressure, low blood cell level, or blood in the urine. Fortunately, prompt medical attention can lead to a cure rate of more than 85%. Treatment for Wilms tumor often involves surgery and chemotherapy, and some patients receive radiation therapy as well.

St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital

The St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital is one of eight affiliate clinics in the United States, and the only one in the Carolinas. The clinic treats patients up to age 22 for cancer or blood disorders. In 2023, some 2, 300 patients received care at the clinic. The clinic’s caring staff and state-of-the-art facilities provide patients and their families with the best possible care during the difficult journey through cancer treatment.

Conclusion

Sophie’s journey through cancer treatment is one of hope, perseverance, and courage. She faced her illness with a spirit that inspired everyone around her. Sophie’s story is a reminder of the strength and resilience of children, and the importance of access to quality healthcare for those undergoing cancer treatment. Through it all, Sophie remained a hero – a true Wonder Woman.

Originally Post From https://www.novanthealth.org/healthy-headlines/wonder-woman-5-corrals-her-cancer-with-help-of-st-jude-affiliate-clinic

Wonder Woman 5 corrals cancer with help of St. Jude Affiliate Clinic and Novant Health