Patient of the Month: Carmella

February 28, 2025 – After Carmella developed bruising and red blood dots on her skin, she was rushed to the emergency room at her local hospital in Palm Beach. Initial tests showed a low platelet count, prompting further testing. At Nicklaus Children’s Helen & Jacob Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute, Carmella was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia (AA) and required a bone marrow transplant – her little brother Angelo was a perfect match and became her donor.

Patient of the Month: Daniel

November 21, 2022 – After Daniel was diagnosed with myeloid leukemia, a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes a large number of abnormal blood cells, Daniel underwent many rounds of chemotherapy at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.  Eventually requiring a bone marrow transplant, Daniel was matched with a donor who eventually became his pen pal. Fast forward two years later, Daniel and his family were surprised to meet the young man who performed a selfless act to save their young boy. 
 

Patient of the Month: Lacy

July 10, 2017 – Meet our July Patient of the Month, Lacy. Lacy was only 2 years old when her parents noticed that something was wrong. They took her to various doctors to try to find what could be the cause, Lacy had an 8 cm. tumor in her brain, occupying most of the lower part of her head.

Sydnie's Second Chance

January 23, 2017 –

While her high school senior peers were trying on prom dresses and applying to college, Sydnie Romero was grappling with a decision that would be tough for anyone, let alone a chronically ill 17-year-old. Sydnie was born with sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder in which bone marrow produces defective hemoglobin that can block blood supply to parts of the body, resulting in “pain crises,” which are episodes of severe pain that can last for hours to days.

Patient of the Month: Juan Pablo

September 08, 2016 – When he and his family were still living in Venezuela, Juan Pablo was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, an aggressive type of cancer. Watch Juan Pablo’s story and help us raise awareness throughout the month of September for Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month.

A Cancer Cure for Kira

June 01, 2016 – Kira, 13, can say “I beat cancer” in four languages: English, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish. The budding linguist and aspiring make-up artist (at least for the moment) is happy to have cancer in the rear view mirror after a 2014 bone marrow transplant that cured her of acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Sabrina's Bone Marrow Transplant Success Story

July 01, 2014 – Thriving after undergoing bone marrow transplant from two donated umbilical cord units, Sabrina celebrates her 15th birthday after sucessfully recovering from the transplant to treat her Leukemia.

Natalie's Success Story

May 03, 2012 – Natalie Thompson of Hobie Sound, Florida, was only 2 when doctors at Nicklaus Children's diagnosed her with stage IV neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer. Little Natalie, now 4, has completed her 120-week treatment and is cancer free. She is enjoying life and making huge strides in regaining ground lost during her prolonged illness.

Jeffery's Success Story

July 20, 2011 – Little Jeffrey, now 10, was born with sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder in which bone marrow produces defective hemoglobin that can block the blood supply to parts of the body, resulting in painful episodes and potentially debilitating strokes. Jeffrey's family have nothing but wonderful things to say about the doctors and staff at Nicklaus Children's Bone Marrow Transplant Program.

A Cure for Carmani

May 26, 2009 – Basketball legend's child receives life-saving transplant.