SAN ANTONIO – Pediatric cancer patients at Christus Children’s hospital celebrated a major milestone on Monday.
In a courtyard, several patients rang a bell, marking the end of their chemotherapy treatments.
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Nurses, family members, and other patients cheered.
Among those being celebrated is 4-year-old Tristan Casarez, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
“It’s almost like a fairy tale to me because, I mean, we found out in March, and then six months later, he’s ringing the bell,” said Tristan’s dad, Mark Casarez. “He’s done.”
The ceremony is emotional, even for the doctors.
“It just reaffirms that I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing,” said Dr. Dimarys Sanchez with Christus Children’s hospital. “And I think it’s the most rewarding part of our job. And we look forward to this, you know, with every single patient that comes.”
Dr. Sanchez says blood cancers are some of the most common cancers in children, and some of the doctors are successful at treating them.
At the ceremony, 16-year-old Narcedalia Natalie Ojeda held a white lantern, distinguishing her as a survivor of leukemia.
“I can’t believe it because last year, I was holding a red one, I think, and I’m holding a white one, so it felt good to hold one of these,” she said.
Join KSAT and the KSAT Community on Saturday, Oct. 19, as the night sky is illuminated with white, red, and yellow lanterns during the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual walk, Light the Night.
The event begins at 6 p.m. at Civic Park at Hemisfair (434 South Alamo Street). KSAT reporter Daniela Ibarra is expected to emcee the opening ceremony.
How to donate and get involved
Register now or make a donation and join KSAT in celebrating and remembering those patients navigating their cancer journey and honoring those who have been lost. The walk is approximately a mile and welcomes strollers, pets, and wheelchairs.
Donating is easy, and every contribution collected will go towards lifesaving research and support for cancer patients. All monetary donations are tax deductible.
To help raise awareness about blood cancer and to support the cause, KSAT Community is hosting a phone bank on Thursday, Oct. 17, during Good Morning San Antonio from 5 to 10 a.m.
Representatives from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will be answering phone calls and accepting financial donations. All contributions collected during the live broadcast will help support blood cancer research.