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“We are from the countryside. We don’t have big hospitals like this with elevators. This was our first time,” said Raúl García, recalling his family’s first visit to VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

It was at that visit on November 25, 2024 that García’s 8-year-old daughter, Estrella, was diagnosed with cancer.

Raúl and his wife Beatriz had previously noticed a lump on their daughter’s lower leg. They took her to the doctor near their home about an hour and a half southwest of Richmond. She recommended hot and cold compresses, but three office visits later, they still weren’t helping. That’s when she referred them to VCU.

Raúl and Estrella’s first stop was the second level of the Children’s Pavilion for a series of radiology studies.

Estrella Garcia with her oncologist, Frances Austin, M.D. (Photo credit: Eva Russo) “They said they were seeing something they didn’t like, so they did an MRI,” said Raúl. “Then we met Dr. [Frances] Austin, and she told me my daughter had cancer. We never went back home. My wife came and Estrella was admitted to the Children’s Tower.”

A biopsy the following day revealed that Estrella’s cancer – rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of soft tissue sarcoma that develops in the muscles – was in stage 4. The 48-week treatment plan ahead would involve a grueling combination of strong chemotherapy, surgeries, lumbar punctures, inpatient stays – including over Christmas – and outpatient visits.

Happiness despite the dark days of cancer

Estrella’s parents describe her as a very happy child, but she’s not herself when she’s getting chemo. No one is. Now, after more than 40 weeks of treatment, they recognize how far they’ve come and the people who’ve helped along the way. Austin has been with them from the start, explaining to Estrella why it’s important to continue through the whole treatment so there are no bad cells left in her body.

“[Dr. Austin] always spoke to us with the truth, and, step by step, she was always telling us what was going on,” said Beatriz. “She is an angel. God put her in our path. We are very grateful.”

Laura Boomer, M.D., FACS, FAAP, has also been critical, skillfully performing multiple surgeries, from tumor removal to port placement, and has earned a special place in the family’s heart. The outpatient clinic care team and the teams from ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation and Connor’s Heroes have also blessed them with kindness and gifts, both tangible and intangible.

The nurses have been “super special” too, but it’s been Estrella’s child life specialist, Gabby Lamb, CCLS, who has brought the biggest smiles during the darkest days of this journey.

“[Estrella] is very close to Gabby. She gives her gifts and plays games,” added Beatriz. “She had to stay in the hospital for two weeks and was very low energy. At any moment, Gabby would come in and just brighten her day. She made her come out of the room and walk around and play.”

“I made a book to teach Estrella about her diagnosis and treatment and read this with her,” said Lamb. “I also would use different crafts to encourage her to participate in physical therapy and spend time out of bed. When she began radiation, I talked to her about what to expect and made a sticker chart for her to track her progress with her long treatment. She was so excited to pick out a prize at the end and proud to show off all she did!”

When Estrella is feeling up to it, she loves playing dolls with her cousin, riding her bike and having video calls with her grandparents. She likes reading and learning too, though a teacher is coming to her home to teach her second grade curriculum until she’s healthy enough to return to school in person. Estrella Garcia (Photo credit: Eva Russo)

“Estrella's family is so caring and incredible at supporting Estrella through this time. Estrella is so resilient, kind and funny,” Lamb added.

Cheering on the home team during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

In September, Estrella and her parents cheered on the Richmond Flying Squirrels for ASK Night at the Diamond in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

“We had never been to a stadium. We were making videos, taking pictures. We got to meet the players. It was so fun. It was beautiful,” said Raúl.

Though they’re traveling a road they didn’t expect, Raúl and Beatriz continue counting their blessings along the way. Originally from Mexico, they recognize that living here before diagnosis and during treatment has helped their daughter get the care she needs.

“Here, lives get saved. The doctors are so wonderful,” said Raúl.

For now, Estrella is full of energy. Her appetite has improved too – especially when it comes to tacos and chicken, her favorites. She’s gaining weight and getting ready for the final push to the end of treatment. One day, the Garcías won’t have to make the drive to Richmond or navigate the elevators and hallways of the hospital. Until then, they’ll keep putting one foot in front of the other, fighting the good fight alongside their committed care team at Massey and CHoR.

“We have gone through a lot. It’s been tough, but we are getting better,” added Raúl. “We have a lot of faith in God. We want to show gratitude to everyone here. Everyone in the hospital has been so great to us.”

This article was originally published by Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

Written by: Kate Marino