Facing childhood cancer for the second time, Sasha’s family finds hope and healing at Cook Children’s

Sasha, age 13, and her family

Sasha’s parents could never have imagined that not one, but both of their children would battle childhood cancer. Three years after their older daughter, Sydney, was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, their younger daughter Sasha was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer when a cantaloupe-size tumor began causing severe stomachaches.

“It was really scary because when you think about kids with cancer, you know it happens, but you never really think you’re going to be one of them. Especially with Sydney going through it before me I thought, this is crazy. How did this happen?” said Sasha.

Her parents, Joanie and Don, considered taking her to the hospital where Sydney received treatment, but ultimately chose our newly opened Cook Children’s Medical Center in Prosper.

“When we saw how bright and happy and light it is here, and how friendly everyone was, we decided that we wanted to come here. With a younger adolescent, she needed the kind of tender loving care that Cook Children’s provides,” said Joanie.

Sasha underwent surgery to remove the tumor, followed by chemotherapy. She marked the end of her treatment with a special celebration organized by Cook Children’s staff.

“When I got to ring the bell, I was really excited because my friends were there, and there was confetti and balloons. I was so happy knowing that I didn’t have to come back for chemo the next week. It was such a great moment,” said Sasha.

Thanks to the care that she received at Cook Children’s and her own courage and determination, today Sasha is healthy and back to doing the things she loves, like making art and performing on stage.