Brayden’s Story: Two Cancer Diagnoses Met With Expertise at Every Turn

Over the past five years, 7-year-old Brayden has faced two cancer diagnoses. Both times, he and his family turned to the team at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. And both times, our experienced cancer specialists provided the advanced, multidisciplinary care Brayden needed to get well.

“The main goal of our program is making sure we’ve exhausted all avenues as we strive to get this disease under control,” says Himalee Sabnis MD, MSc, co-director of the High-Risk Leukemia and Lymphoma Program, one of only a handful of programs of its kind in the country.

For Brayden, this meant nearly a year-long course of treatment at age 2 to treat a stage 4, high-risk neuroblastoma. This was followed by a BMT at age 4 to manage treatment-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML).

Today, Brayden has received clear scans for both neuroblastoma and t-AML. He recently finished kindergarten, and he loves fishing and playing soccer. “It’s been a very difficult five years,” says his mom, Breanna. “Brayden still has a long journey, but we are grateful for his care team. I am confident Brayden is in the best hands.”

Kyson’s Story: An Excellent Prognosis Made Possible With Precision Care

The oldest of three siblings, middle schooler Kyson “looked like a perfectly healthy boy,” says his mom, Taylor. “We went in for a well visit and came out with cancer.”

It was a small bump on Kyson’s neck that led his pediatrician to order additional imaging. Two weeks and many tests later, physicians at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders confirmed that Kyson had stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare cancer of the lymphatic system that begins in the white blood cells.

Under the care of hematologist/oncologist Jason Stevenson, MD, Kyson has undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy and has had several inpatient stays at the hospital. Navigating treatment has not been easy, but Kyson has a strong network of support, including his care team at Children’s and his family and friends back home in Temple, Ga.

Kyson recently completed his chemotherapy regimen and soon will begin radiation. According to Dr. Stevenson, the cancer was caught early, and Kyson’s prognosis is excellent. “It has been a true privilege and a pleasure to care for Kyson,” he says. “Throughout it all, [this family has] been nothing but kind, gracious and appreciative."

Xander’s Story: Advanced Treatment and Determination Are Working in His Favor

When an MRI for a basketball injury uncovered a tumor around his knee, middle school athlete Xander was immediately referred to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. A biopsy of the tumor soon confirmed that Xander has osteosarcoma, a rare, aggressive cancer that forms in the hard part of the bone.

Under the care of Kathryn Sutton, MD, hematologist/oncologist and clinical director of the Solid Tumor Program, and Ronak Dave, MD, a hematology/oncology fellow, Xander began intensive chemotherapy treatments. The next step was surgery. Orthopedic surgeon Dell McLaughlin, MD, MPH, removed part of Xander’s femur and performed a knee replacement to successfully remove the tumor. It took months to recover, but Xander eventually started walking again without assistance.

“Osteosarcoma is a challenging cancer to treat, but Xander has a number of factors in his favor, such as being on the younger side and being able to have his tumor surgically removed,” says Dr. Dave. “He is always upbeat despite how hard chemotherapy can be, and he is motivated to do what he needs to do to get better.”

 

Sam’s Story: Supportive Care Was a Gift on His Darkest Days

During Labor Day Weekend 2025, 10-year-old Sam was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare, fast-growing cancer of the soft tissue behind his eye. He was immediately referred to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, where he was evaluated by Kathryn Sutton, MD, a hematologist/oncologist and clinical director of the Solid Tumor Program, and Ronak Dave, MD, a hematology/oncology fellow. The doctors determined that, because of the location of Sam’s tumor, an additional surgery wasn't safe. So, he began a regimen of 42 weeks of chemotherapy combined with six weeks of radiation.

Despite the challenges of this intense treatment, Sam and his mom, Kim, were determined to find gifts in each day. From finding a good parking spot at the hospital to visits with facility dogs and music therapists, they found light in small and large moments.

These moments, coupled with his clinical care and support services, were instrumental in allowing Sam to ring the end-of-treatment bell and begin his first year of middle school almost a year after his initial diagnosis. “Sam was very brave in pushing through to get the care he needed,” says Dr. Dave. “We are incredibly proud of Sam and his family for their determination and perseverance, and we are so grateful to our music therapy, child life and facility dog teams for helping Sam throughout his whole experience.”

Take 5 Oil Change: Aug. 2 through Oct. 31
Due for an oil change? Visit a Take 5 Oil Change location and donate to Children’s at checkout to support our patients and families.

The UPS Store: Aug. 17 through Sept. 30
Visit The UPS Store to shred for a cause. Receive 25% off shredding services and 25% will be donated back to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.

Spirit Halloween: Mid-Aug. through Oct. 31
Find the perfect costume and support child life services at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center when you shop at Spirit Halloween stores this fall. Save 10% off your entire order when you use code CARING26 online or show this coupon in store, and Spirit will give 10% back to Children's. Visit the store locator to find a Spirit Halloween store near you.

Johnny’s Pizza: Sept. 1 through Sept. 30
Receive a $5 coupon for your next visit when you donate $5 to support the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at your local Johnny’s or Johnny Brusco’s New York Style Pizza location across the Southeast.

Lazy Dog Restaurants: Sept. 1 through Sept. 30
Visit Lazy Dog Restaurants in Georgia during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. For every kid’s meal purchased throughout the month of September, $1 will be donated to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.

Nothing Bundt Cakes: Sept. 1 through Sept. 30
Receive a coupon for a free Bundtlet on your next visit to Georgia bakeries when you donate $5 at checkout to support the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.

Kendra Scott: Sept. 11
Visit participating Kendra Scott stores from 1 to 3 p.m. and mention Children’s at checkout for 20% of your purchase to benefit the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Can’t shop in-store? Shop online Sept. 11 and Sept. 12 using code GIVEBACK-CHOA26.

America’s Thrift Stores: Year-round
Donate your gently used clothes, shoes, small electronics, furniture and household items, like sheets, comforters and kitchen appliances, to America’s Thrift Stores, and a portion of the proceeds benefits Children’s. Schedule a free pickup online.

Ansley Real Estate Christie’s International: Year-round
When working with an Ansley Real Estate Christie's International agent, you can be assured that a portion of proceeds is being donated to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Ask your Ansley agent for more information.

Support Children’s While You Shop
Shop, dine and book with our partner businesses, and a portion of everyday purchases support kids with cancer and sickle cell disease—at no extra cost to you. See a complete list of our partners.