Meet Louie

Louie’s journey at Nationwide Children’s Hospital began in early 2022 at age 4 when his mother noticed that he only placed weight on the toes of his right foot. Concerned, she consulted his pediatrician, who referred him to the orthopedic department at Nationwide Children's Hospital for evaluation. Subsequent referrals led him to neurology where an MRI revealed a small cantaloupe-sized tumor above and surrounding Louie’s kidney. The doctors informed Louie’s family that he most likely had a childhood cancer called neuroblastoma. Wasting no time, Louie was immediately admitted to oncology for more tests to be run. By the end of the week Louie had undergone a biopsy of the tumor, a bone marrow biopsy, placement of a central line, an MRI, and a MIBG scan, a scan intended to search specifically for neuroblastomas. These procedures confirmed the doctors’ suspicions: Louie did in fact have neuroblastoma. Fortunately, the cancer had not metastasized. The day after his results came back, Louie started his first round of chemotherapy. In total, Louie completed four rounds of chemotherapy.

Throughout his chemotherapy, Louie was also receiving treatment to correct his preference for walking on his right toes. After working with a team of doctors, it was decided that Louie would receive serial casting on both of his legs. Every week for the next nine weeks, Louie’s physical therapist would stretch his heel as flat as possible then apply new walking boot casts. The casting process finished a week before his tumor surgery and it was a success! The physical therapy team was able to stretch his calf back out and Louie had regained a proper gait.

In May of 2022, Louie underwent surgery to remove his tumor. His surgeon, Dr. Jennifer Aldrink, director of Surgical Oncology at Nationwide Children’s, was able to remove 98% of his tumor over the course of a nine-hour surgery. Part of the tumor was located on his aorta and had to be left behind as it was too dangerous to remove. Additionally, Dr. Aldrink had to remove Louie’s left kidney due to involvement by the tumor, however she was able to save his spleen. Despite the success of the tumor removal, Louie had a lymphatic leak or “chyle” leak after surgery, one of the complications that can occur following resection of a neuroblastoma and remained in the hospital for two weeks. When he was finally discharged, he brought with him an IV through which he was receiving all of his nutrients and a surgical drain.

After the initial setbacks, Louie returned home for good and continued recovering. During this time Louie was wearing leg braces on both legs and began a physical therapy regimen. In August of 2022 right before he was set to return to school, he returned to the hospital for another MIBG scan. This scan showed no evidence of disease. Louie and his family were over the moon. Louie had his port removed and was able to triumphantly ring the Milestone Bell, signifying the completion of his cancer treatment. Several months later, he finished his physical therapy treatments and was able to retire his leg braces.

Today, Louie is a happy, healthy, and precocious six-year-old. He loves animals, playing sports, being active, collecting stuffed animals, spending time with his siblings, and he is even teaching himself to read. Louie has regular check-ups with oncology, neurology, and nephrology to ensure that he stays healthy. Although the cause of Louie’s walking difficulties remains unknown, his family is thankful that it led to his cancer being discovered.

Every year Louie and his family commemorate the anniversary of his cancer free scan by doing something positive that will help other patients and their families. This year, he decided that he wanted to dedicate a butterfly wagon. Louie selflessly chose to forgo birthday and Christmas presents and instead asked his friends and family to donate funds toward his wagon. Necessary funds were raised in just four days.

“The wagon is not only a celebration of Louie’s battle but also a testament to our Nationwide Children’s family who saved his life and continues to keep him healthy,” says Louie’s mom. Despite his challenging journey, Louie remains a positive, care-free, sweet little boy.