Every September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month reminds us of the young warriors battling diseases we often associate with adulthood. For Sheena Escalante, that reminder is deeply personal. Her youngest son, Phillip, was just 9 years old when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma — a cancer more common in teens and young adults.
Phillip was a typical kid in the Inland Empire. He loved baseball, superheroes, his family and singer Ed Sheeran. So when he came down with what seemed like the flu, Sheena thought it would pass. But as symptoms lingered, she trusted her instincts and took him to the doctor.
What followed was a whirlwind.
First, he was admitted to Kaiser Permanente Anaheim Medical Center where initial tests revealed serious complications including collapsed lungs and a large tumor wrapped around his heart and esophagus.
Given the complexity of his condition, he was quickly transferred to Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center for further evaluation and a critical biopsy performed by Dr. Stanley Lau, pediatric surgeon, which confirmed Phillip’s diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma.
“Phillip’s case was one of the more complex I’ve seen — the tumor’s size and location made every decision critical,” said Dr. Lau. “Early diagnosis and our coordinated care approach were essential, and I’m proud to have been part of the team that helped set him on the path to recovery.”
From there, Phillip’s care journey became a powerful example of Kaiser Permanente’s coordinated, integrated model — with specialists, nurses and other members of the care team across Anaheim, Fontana and Los Angeles working in sync to deliver seamless, continuous care.
“Everyone was amazing throughout the journey, especially the nurses. They comforted him, explained everything in a way he could understand and helped keep us calm,” Sheena said.
At Anaheim Medical Center, pediatric oncologist Dr. Naveen Qureshi became a guiding light.
“Dr. Qureshi treated Phillip like her own child,” Sheena said. “She sat with us for hours answering every question. I tell parents: Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Find a doctor who connects with you. Dr. Qureshi was that for us.”
“In pediatric oncology, we don’t just treat the disease — we care for the whole child and their family,” said Dr. Qureshi. “With Phillip and his family, it was about building trust, answering every question and making sure he never felt alone in this fight.”
Phillip underwent intensive chemotherapy and radiation including a clinical trial. Despite the challenges, he rarely complained. When asked how he stayed strong, Phillip said, “I know God has me.”
“I was scared, but I always felt the support of my family and the doctors and nurses who cared for me. Knowing they believed in me helped me believe in myself,” he added.
Outside the hospital, the community rallied. Friends, neighbors, nonprofits and Phillip’s baseball team offered meals and support. Even the Corona Fire Department became extended family, providing emotional and financial help.
Today, Phillip is 16 — a survivor and an advocate. Alongside his mom, he’s raising awareness about the urgent need for more pediatric cancer research. Despite being the leading cause of disease-related death in children under 20, only 4% of federal cancer research funding goes to pediatric cancers.
“I already knew Kaiser Permanente was great at taking care of my family’s health,” Sheena said. “But now I know just how incredible their cancer care really is. They saved my son’s life."
To get more information and resources for cancer care and treatment, visit kp.org/cancer.