Pediatric Cancer at MSK Kids

08/16/2025

08/15/2025

In 2014, Dan’s brother was diagnosed with cancer and tragically passed away two weeks later.

A few months after, Dan’s mom was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and had a successful surgery to remove the tumor. Following these two occurrences in the family, she encouraged Dan to get tested for a genetic component.

Dan’s test results came back positive for Lynch Syndrome, a condition that puts him at risk for other cancers. During one screening eight years later, Dan’s doctors found a tumor and he was diagnosed with re**al cancer.

After feeling uncertain with the treatment options he was given, Dan found a clinical trial at MSK, led by gastrointestinal oncologists Drs. Andrea Cercek and Dr. Luis Diaz.

“The timing was impeccable. There were news stories about this innovative treatment that MSK came up with,” says Dan. “I didn’t think that would apply to me – what are the odds.”

The approach used immunotherapy alone, and Dan began treatment immediately. By the second immunotherapy infusion, he was cancer free.

“This clinical trial saved my life,” says Dan.

Today, Dan has follow-up visits with his MSK care team twice a year, made easier by a move from Cape Cod to Brooklyn in December 2024. He loves trying new restaurants, biking and exploring new parts of the city, and reading fiction.

Dan’s advice to someone newly diagnosed: “Try to understand the options that are available to you.Every few months there are amazing new options on the table.”

Give a 💙 for Dan below, and learn more about his story tonight during Stand Up to Cancer’s telecast at 8pm ET.

08/14/2025

Charlene Jerome, a specialist in patient financial services at MSK, is a superhero in the eyes of many patients she’s helped.

It’s Charlene’s job to find financial assistance for patients with large co-pays that their insurance doesn’t cover. She hunts for free drugs, deep discounts, and financial aid so MSK patients can focus on healing.

“We don’t want patients who are already being treated for cancer to have to be on the phone constantly with a manufacturer,” Charlene says. “Imagine dealing with your diagnosis and having to deal with that too.”

Read more of Charlene's story: https://bit.ly/4oH8xaM

08/12/2025

Staff Spotlight | “Once I was fully engrossed in oncology, I absolutely knew I had to get to MSK, as there is no better place for all-encompassing cancer care."

Since joining MSK in 2018, MSK clinical nurse Megan McCarthy has known that MSK was the right place for her. Megan began her nursing career in oncology right out of nursing school in 2014, and knew MSK was ultimately where she wanted to grow.

Megan worked in her family’s restaurant business from a young age, holding multiple roles from hostess to busser and server to manager. The experience prepared her, in a unique way, for caring for cancer patients.

“It provided me with a special set of interpersonal and multitasking skills that I believe have helped shape my nursing career,” Megan says. “The bonds I get to build on a daily basis with oncology patients and their families have made me the resilient, compassionate person I am today."

In her role at MSK, Megan administers chemo-, bio-, and immunotherapies and cares for patients throughout their cancer journey. She also oversees and manages the daily operations of MSK Monmouth’s infusion unit and works with her nurse leader to manage staff scheduling and infusion optimization.

Megan feels a deep sense of pride at being part of such a distinguished group of cancer care professionals. “I have learned and grown so much since joining MSK," she says. "It is an absolute privilege to be part of a team that is the pinnacle of innovation in cancer care."

Leave a 💙 in the comments for Megan!

08/08/2025

When Jason was accepted into physical therapy school, he never imagined he would also be starting treatment for stage 4 esophageal cancer.

“It started with what I thought was a pulled calf muscle, but the pain worsened and I developed a cough,” Jason remembers. “A trip to the ER turned into scans, and then a diagnosis.”

Originally from Long Island, Jason knew of MSK’s strong reputation. He met with MSK gastrointestinal oncologist Dr. David Ilson. “I felt at ease the moment I met Dr. Ilson. I knew I was in the right hands,” Jason shares.

Jason says that the proximity between his classes at Hofstra University and MSK’s Nassau location on Long Island where he receives care has helped him tremendously. “Being so close makes a huge difference,” he says. “My team works around my class schedule, which helps me stay on track with school.”

He is also supported by MSK’s Integrative Medicine team, where he has regular appointments with MSK integrative medicine specialist Dr. Nirupa Raghunathan. “Dr. Raghunathan has helped me manage the side effects of my treatment with natural supplements. That kind of care really adds to the quality of life.”

Additionally, The Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program at MSK has helped Jason manage the emotional toll of treatment. “There are days when the feelings hit hard. Emily, my nurse practitioner within the AYA program, reminds me that it is okay to take care of myself first. Sometimes that is the strongest thing you can do.”

Today, Jason is balancing chemotherapy, clinical rotations, and the demands of grad school while pursuing his dream of becoming a pediatric oncology physical therapist. He recently spoke at Hofstra’s white coat ceremony, a moment that reminded him just how far he has come. In his free time, Jason spends time hanging with his friends and lighting weights. “Having cancer does not mean life stops. It just means you live it differently, and maybe even more fully.”

Leave a 👏 in the comments for Jason!

08/06/2025

New research from the American Cancer Society shows a 62% increase in colore**al cancer screening among adults ages 45 to 50, after the recommended age to begin screening was lowered.

Diagnoses in this age group also increased, from 1% to 12%, meaning more cancers were caught early when they are easier to treat, according to experts.

Researchers at MSK are investigating why this is happening, from possible environmental exposures to the role of the microbiome and changes in lifestyle.

Learn more about how MSK is leading research and care for young adults with cancer: https://bit.ly/3IWw1Z9

08/05/2025

Staff Spotlight | “As the 'band-aid' sibling, I was always patching up my brothers or friends when I was growing up. Now I’ve come full circle, supporting a team that is working to end cancer for life."

Laura Zimmerman, a Nurse Leader at MSK, oversees staff and patients at MSK Monmouth in New Jersey. Since joining MSK in 2019, Laura has been committed to making sure her team feels supported.

“I’m very passionate about team building,” says Laura. “I’ve led my team through challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic and bringing the team together has always proven helpful.”

Laura has been a nurse for nearly 40 years, half of that time spent in oncology nursing. When she heard that MSK was opening a facility in New Jersey, she was excited to take the next step in her career. “I felt I would finally be working for the top cancer center in the country and that was exciting to me,” says Laura. “I was over the moon when I was hired here as a Nurse Leader.”

Even through busy shifts, Laura is most inspired by the team she works with every day — especially after seeing how well they care for her stepsister who is currently undergoing treatment for stage 4 colore**al cancer.

“Sitting on the other side, you often see how amazing the MSK staff is,” says Laura. “I’m such an advocate of broadcasting my staff’s great moments. It’s been tough, but I’m drawn to oncology because I’m always looking to make the experience the best possible and to recognize my staff.”

Leave a 💙 in the comments for Laura!

08/01/2025

In May 2023, Katie, 34, was 11.5 weeks pregnant when she was diagnosed with lung cancer in her left lung.

The New Jersey native always knew MSK would be at the top of her list for care, which locked into place after she met with MSK thoracic surgeon Dr. Matthew Bott.

“I felt calm and at ease with Dr. Bott. Something about him in my gut said ‘this is the doctor that cures me,’” Katie recalls.

Dr. Bott listened to Katie’s concerns and hopes to carry her baby to full term. The team at MSK monitored Katie closely up until her planned C-section at 37 weeks in November 2023, where she delivered a healthy baby boy named Tommy.

Three weeks after giving birth, Katie had surgery to remove the tumor, which also meant the potential of removing all of her left lung.

“When I got out of surgery, Dr. Bott said that he was able to save the entire lower lobe of my left lung,” says Katie. “What MSK did other doctors said was impossible.”

A few weeks following the surgery, she had follow-up appointments with Dr. Bott and MSK thoracic medical oncologist Dr. Charles Rudin and was told her scans were clear and that she was NED (no evidence of disease).

Today, Katie remains NED and is doing well, receiving scans every six months. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, Tommy and Charlie, and running. Including recently completing an amazing feat: participating in the Paris Marathon this past April!

“Cancer threatened my child and my passion for running, but I refused to lose either. After welcoming healthy Tommy and surviving surgery, I knew I had one more fight in me—and crossing that marathon finish line was my silver lining.”

Leave a🏃‍♀️for Katie below!

08/01/2025

From the day Shakima Grant was hired as a care coordinator at MSK in 2007 she says she knew she had found her purpose.

“It always felt like I was meant to be here,” says Shakima.

Today, Shakima is Senior Community Programs Manager, and her mission is forging a strong relationship between MSK and the people in its community to improve access to world-class cancer care.

“Being part of the community team at this time in MSK’s history is an incredible honor and responsibility,” says Shakima. “We are spreading the word and opening the doors for more patients than ever before to receive the best cancer care in the world, right in their backyard.”

Read more about Shakima: https://bit.ly/3U4PTeV

07/31/2025

☀️ You see "SPF" on your sunscreen bottle, but what is SPF (spoiler: sun protection factor) and is higher really better?

In the latest video from our series, MSK dermatologist Dr. Erica Lee breaks down what SPF actually means, how it protects your skin, and why applying (and reapplying) sunscreen matters more than chasing the highest number.

Watch to learn more and share to help protect others this summer.

07/31/2025

🎨 After life-saving brain surgery at MSK, Maggie picked up a paintbrush and uncovered a talent no one saw coming.

Maggie spent years suffering from painful headaches and muscle weakness that baffled her doctors in New Jersey. One day, unable to lift her head, she ended up in the emergency room. Testing by local doctors revealed a brain tumor with an initially grim prognosis by the neurologist. “He told me that I had a small tumor in the bottom of my brain, and it was inoperable," Maggie remembers.

Maggie quickly sought help at MSK, where she met with MSK neurosurgeon Dr. Cameron Brennan. He diagnosed her with NF2, a rare genetic condition. Shortly after, he successfully removed two tumors from her brain. A year later, she had a spine tumor removed by Dr. Mark Bilsky.

MSK rehabilitation medicine specialist Dr. Julia Reilly worked closely with Maggie to help her regain strength, manage symptoms, and get back to daily life. But then something unexpected happened: Maggie announced to her family that she wanted to start painting. Her family was stunned. She had never taken an art class and had no history of interest in painting. As her sister put it, Maggie couldn’t even be trusted to paint a wall.

Yet, almost overnight, she began creating vibrant, emotional abstract paintings that captured the attention of local galleries and collectors.

What is the link between brain surgery and artistic skill? Dr. Reilly notes that Maggie’s surgery was performed on the right side of her brain. “The right side of the brain is often thought to contribute to creativity and art,” she says. “In the process of healing from that surgery, some rewiring occurs."

While Maggie discovered her inner artist on her own, MSK's Rehabilitation Services helped her recovery in other ways — the surgery left Maggie with minor physical impairments, including tingling in her leg, which is why she was first referred to Dr. Reilly.

Maggie’s artwork is beautiful, but it’s also a powerful inspiration to other rehab patients: “It helps them know,” says Dr. Reilly, “that they have no idea how much they may be able to improve, or what they can return to.”

Maggie, who now paints every day, says that while the success and accolades are nice, it’s the act of painting that matters above all else. It brings her joy and a sense of calm.

Swipe ➡️ to view some of Maggie's amazing artwork and comment below with your favorite.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/3HbFoDx

07/31/2025

2026 Cycle for Survival dates are LIVE! 🥳 Will we see you on the bike next year?

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Cycle for Survival 2026 dates are here. We couldn’t be more excited to be back on the bikes with you for our 20th anniversary. Find your 2026 ride: https://bit.ly/3IU0JSD