When Andrew, now 28, reflects on his journey with Nemours Children’s Health, he describes it as nothing short of miraculous. Diagnosed with hepatoblastoma that had metastasized to his lungs and brain as a child, Andrew’s journey to recovery has been thanks to his expert medical care and unwavering support system.
In November 1999, 3-year-old Andrew woke up in the middle of the night complaining of shoulder and abdomen pain. His parents, concerned, took him to the pediatrician in Augusta, Georgia, where appendicitis was initially suspected, and surgery scheduled. However, a perceptive surgeon, recalling a rare medical condition from his studies, insisted on further tests. The results were alarming: Andrew’s cancer markers were sky-high, pointing to a serious diagnosis.
The local medical team quickly realized they needed specialized help, so he was transferred to a children’s hospital. The surgeons there reached out to Dr. Adela Casas-Melley, who was working at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware at the time and renowned for her work with liver transplants alongside Dr. Stephen Dunn.
After an initial liver transplant in April 2000 failed, and his condition worsened. Andrew recounts, “The transplanted liver died, and I was given 48 hours to live. No donor was in sight. So, Dr. Casas and Dr. Dunn agreed to use my mom as a donor. I then underwent a living related transplant from my mom.” Andrew was then transferred to the ICU at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware.
Enduring extended periods in the ICU, overcoming setbacks, undergoing multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, and collaborating with other experts in the field, Andrew has now been cancer-free for 18 years. Andrew’s spirits were lifted by the compassionate care he received. “I remember them being so friendly and kind to me during the treatment,” Andrew shares. “Dr. Adela was especially my favorite at Nemours in Delaware. She treated me as if I was her son and took me under her wing. I still remember to this day that at age 5, I did not want to talk for weeks at the time. It was mainly because of boredom in the hospital as a child cannot do much in bed and it is irritating. Most doctors assumed I was going through a depression phase and needed a therapist. However, Dr. Adela brought out the wheelchair and took me to the toy gift shop. I would not stop talking after that! She definitely knew how to brighten each day! I wouldn’t be here without her and God!”
Andrew expresses a positive outlook on recovery and continued care. “Sure, there’s a couple things like the scars or trauma that doesn’t leave you. But overall, I could not be better. I now go back for what seems to be a family reunion every time!”
Today, Andrew is thriving. He recently graduated from Georgia Tech as a Medical Physicist and is set to begin his residency in Temple, Texas. His future plans include returning to Georgia to practice, inspired by the very doctors who saved his life. “I really would love to give back and one day be at least half as good as the doctors that treated me!”
Andrew shares this advice to others facing similar challenges: “Never ever give up. I was given one in a million chance of survival. No one wanted to take me under their care because I was a lost case. However, if you are lucky enough to have a strong support system of doctors that care for you as one of their own and you have that will to live and desire to fight! God will help you with the rest! Just leave it up to him and never give up. Find the doctors that are aggressive and will fight like it is their fight too! And believe!”
Andrew’s journey from a dire diagnosis to a thriving young professional is a testament to the exceptional care provided by Nemours Children’s Health.
