Growing up, Izabella liked any and all sports, from soccer to baseball to whatever she could do outside. Then one day, her dad noticed her limping while she was playing. Later on at home, he took a closer look at her leg and noticed that her knee was swollen. They brought her to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she received an MRI.

In an unfortunate twist of fate, Izabella was diagnosed with something that would affect her ability to keep playing sports; osteosarcoma, or bone cancer. She started chemo right away and also had to undergo surgery to remove the bones affected by the cancer, which included her knee and part of her femur. An extendable prosthesis was placed in her leg, which will allow her leg to grow at the same rate as the other.

Izabella is now recovering from her treatment and going to therapy to be able to start walking again. Most of all, she is as happy as ever thanks to the care she received at Nicklaus Children’s!