For Ethan, the Right Mindset and the Right Treatment Led to Cancer Remission

After he was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma at just 11 years old, Ethan found the comfort, support and treatment he needed at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.

Before March 21, 2017, Ethan enjoyed swimming on the swim team, Nerf gun wars in the backyard with friends, playing catch with his brother and participating in acting classes, as he aspires to be an actor and director one day.

But those activities all came to a halt that day when his family heard three little words that changed their lives forever: “Ethan has cancer.”

After Ethan noticed a golf ball–size lump on his head, he was taken to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where he was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma at just 11 years old. Ethan began chemotherapy treatments at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's, spending 48 days in the hospital. But the family didn’t let Ethan’s cancer dampen their spirits.

The right approach

Ethan’s mother, Kelli, says her son has been positive about his diagnosis and treatment. “On the first day we walked into the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, he told me, ‘A strong mind equals a strong body.’ So I knew after that day that we were right in our minds and we had the right attitude.”

Ethan’s treatment continued through July 2020. He says he got sick a lot, but every dose of chemo was worth it because he is currently in remission. “The majority of kids with lymphoblastic lymphoma will be cured with chemotherapy, but it’s not easy,” says Glen Lew, MD, a Pediatric Oncologist and Hematologist at Children’s. “The treatment tends to be two to three years of therapy.”

Ethan admits his journey has been tough but says the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center has made it better. “The center is cheerful, comforting and life changing,” he adds. “My oncologists, nurses, child life specialists and music therapists are part of my family now.”