01/21/2026
A distinct superpower of WashU Medicine is our collaboration – like when four surgical teams worked together as one to remove a rare tumor from a child's collarbone.
Jaylanie, a St. Lucian native, had likely been living with a rare tumor for nearly three years by the time he got to St. Louis for specialized care. Through Eric Gordon, MD's, Caribbean mission trip work with World Pediatrics, a diagnosis and plans were made.
The tumor was malignant, but could be cured with complete and precise surgical removal. That meant a ten-hour operation at St. Louis Children's Hospital and the teamwork of four speciality surgeons – David Clever, MD, PhD, orthopedic oncology surgeon; Westley Ohman, MD, vascular surgeon; David Brogan, MD, MSc, orthopedic surgeon; and Mitchell Pet, MD, plastic surgeon.
"Removing tumors, dissecting and reconstructing blood vessels, and reconstructing bone and tissue defects are things that members of this surgical team do every day, but putting all those pieces together in one case is what made this so unique," explains Dr. Clever.
Jaylanie's surgery was a success – the tumor was completely removed. Within a month of surgery, his inflammatory markers had nearly returned to normal, an early sign that his body was finally healing. For Jaylanie, success means more than medical milestones – it means running, playing, and being able to use his arm without pain.
Our team will continue to monitor Jaylanie's health over the next 10 years, starting with another World Pediatrics mission trip Dr. Gordan will be on next month!
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