A True Champion

When Knox was 6 months old, his parents noticed a discolored eyelid and drooping of his face. An MRI recommended by the ophthalmologist caring for him at Rady Children’s showed that Knox had masses in his skull, and he was admitted to the hospital.

“After a few days, we found out Knox had Stage 4 neuroblastoma,” recalls his mom, Kirstin. “It was metastatic, so it was everywhere. He was covered from head to toe in masses.”

Knox spent two weeks at the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, undergoing chemotherapy to treat the cancer and surgery to install a port to facilitate blood transfusions and other treatments. 

“They taught us as much as possible about taking care of Knox and his port line during that initial stay,” Kristin says, “and they’re really responsive if we have any questions or we’re concerned.”

The family still visits Rady Children’s often for chemotherapy and lab tests. They’ve grown to know and love the entire Peckham Center team.

“Everyone is so positive and takes the initiative on everything—and anything that Knox needs he gets almost immediately,” Chris says.

With Rady Children’s experts and their community behind them, Knox’s parents are optimistic about his final stretch of treatment. Now 1 year old, he is hitting milestones and full of joy. 

“Knox is going to have happy memories of our time in the hospital,” says Chris, “largely because of all the people there and treatment going well for us. We’re blessed.”