Beating Ewing Sarcoma at Rady Children’s
Fifteen-year-old Bailey, a sophomore at Cathedral Catholic High School, loves shopping at the mall, listening to music, hanging out with friends, and playing soccer. But last year, her life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive type of cancer.
In February, Bailey started experiencing lower back pain that wouldn’t go away. A visit to the emergency room led to scans that revealed a large tumor on her right kidney. Just a few days later, on Valentine’s Day, Bailey underwent surgery to remove the tumor and her kidney. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, and by March 4, she was starting chemotherapy at Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego.
For the next eight months, Bailey showed incredible strength and determination through her treatment. With the support of her care team, she faced each challenge head-on. Throughout her treatment, Bailey found comfort in her close-knit family. Her dad has always been by her side, helping with everything from homework to heart-to-heart talks. Her mom has been her biggest cheerleader and best friend, offering endless support and encouragement. Her grandmother, Lola, has shared Filipino traditions and life lessons, while her playful pup, Guinness, provided joy and companionship throughout it all.
Despite the challenges, Bailey found moments of joy and inspiration. One highlight was meeting the San Diego Wave soccer team and even being featured on their social media page! She also formed a special connection with one of the players, who became a source of encouragement. But the biggest moment of all? Ringing the bell at Rady Children’s, a celebration that marked the end of her treatment and the start of a bright future.
“Seeing Bailey go through this journey with such strength has been incredibly inspiring,” says her mom, Samantha. “As a parent, it’s the hardest thing to watch your child face something like this, but she has shown us all what true resilience looks like.”
Today, Bailey is focusing on returning to her favorite activities, like soccer and spending time with friends. She’s also been inspired by her experience at Rady Children’s and hopes to pursue a career in the medical field to help others facing similar challenges.
Bailey wants other teens going through cancer to know they’re not alone.
“Find a support system,” she says. “Whether it’s your best friend, your parents, or a group like Some Of My Best Friends Are Bald (SOMBFAB), having people who understand makes all the difference. Find humor in your journey and always embrace beauty—inside and out.”
