WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon

Last winter, Maria Isabel was experiencing flu-like symptoms and general fatigue for months. She also complained of feeling like her 'bones hurt.' She made several trips to her pediatrician, who chalked up the symptoms to flu and cold season.

In March 2018 (3 days before her 4th birthday), Maria Isabel’s nurse called and said that her skin looked jaundiced. After some blood work at the pediatrician's office came back abnormal, Maria Isabel was immediately sent to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Maria Isabel’s treatment includes chemotherapy and several other medications. She is still undergoing treatment.  

Maria Isabel enjoys coloring, blowing bubbles, and playing with her dollhouse. While being sick is not enjoyable, she really appreciates how the Jimmy Fund Clinic works hard to make treatment days fun. She enjoys all the activities that the Clinic organizes, especially all the arts & crafts projects.

Massachusetts Representative Brad Hill was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2008 during the election.

During an otherwise routine physical, his doctor ordered some blood tests that led to the initial diagnosis.

Representative Hill came to Dana-Farber for his care and his treatment has included participation in a clinical trial that mixed biological therapy, a stem cell transplant, and high-dose chemotherapy. He cites maintaining a positive attitude as key to his treatment.

Since 1999, Representative Hill has served as the representative for the Fourth Essex District, which covers Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rowley, Topsfield, and Wenham. He also is the assistant minority leader in the House.

Representative Hill has been a patient of Dr. Paul Richardson for the past 10 years.

Colt had a swollen gland on his neck, under his ear that would not go away. Colt’s parents took him to a doctor out of concern, and in February 2018, a biopsy was performed. It was determined that Colt had cancer.

Colt was in the hospital for a month for the induction phase where he received high doses of chemotherapy and steroids. He now receives weekly rounds of chemotherapy for two years, with 3 week cycles.

In July he developed Pancreatitis due to one of the chemotherapy medicines. He was in the ICU and hospital for 3 weeks. Due to that negative reaction, Colt can no longer receive that form of chemo. The doctors are working to find a suitable replacement moving forward

Colt currently has diabetes due to his pancreas suffering a major hit from the Pancreatitis. His family constantly manages his blood and glucose levels. Colt continues to be a trooper and amazes his parents every step of the way.

Colt comes from a family of 5 including 2 brothers, Nash (7) and Clark (3).

Colt enjoys riding his bike, watching movies, and playing with Legos and Nintendo Switch.

When he is done with his treatment, Colt would like to buy a 4-wheeler. When he grows up, he would like to become an archaeologist.

Despite rehabbing out in Arizona, Sox' second baseman Dustin Pedroia called in to discuss the importance of the Jimmy Fund.

Robert was lifting weights at his local YMCA before a routine doctor’s appointment revealed he had stage 4 lung cancer.

Robert’s doctor estimated he only had one year to live. Following nine months of chemo- radiation, Robert’s cancer went into remission. However, after only one month the cancer returned.

Although a native of Alabama, Robert’s wife and her family are from New England and recommended Robert seek treatment at Dana-Farber

Since then, Robert has been under the care of Dr. Chris Lathan and his team.

Robert started in an immunotherapy clinical that lasted for two years. He was removed from the trial in May 2018 due to the cancer’s progression and is not being treated with Alimta. His scans have shown positive momentum. 

Throughout his treatment Robert thanks his wife, who has been there for him throughout it all.

Dr. Christopher Lathan is an oncologist who specializes in cancers of the chest, including lung cancer.

He sees patients and has published many research papers, mainly on cancer disparities for minorities.

As Faculty Director for the Cancer Care Equity program at Dana-Farber, Dr. Lathan is committed to providing better access to cancer care and education to Boston communities.