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PrintMedical Reports: Race for Research
Posted: 09/21/12
Reported by:
Producer:
Janna Owen
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A little boy has become a big inspiration to everyone he's met. Alberto is fighting cancer but he doesn't let that get him down. In fact, he plans to cross the finish line in a race for research. 7's Lynn Martinez has his amazing story.
WSVN -- Alberto Hernandez is an expert at playing wii.
Alberto Hernandez: "I like to play new Super Mario Brothers, Sports Mix. I like to play Sonic."
But his video game battles with his little sister are nothing compared to his battle against cancer.
Nelvis Hernandez: "We were told he was diagnosed with a ewing sarcoma, and that's a bone cancer."
Dr. Guillermo DeAngulo: "He initially came with a tumor in his leg."
Doctors at Miami Children's Hospital say ewing's sarcoma affects about 250 kids in the U.S. every year. It can start with pain or a bump on the leg. A child may limp or have a fever.
Dr. Guillermo DeAngulo: "He had surgery for the leg. He had chemotherapy and he did very, very well."
For two and a half years, Alberto was in remission then this February heartbreaking news, the cancer came back.
Nelvis Hernandez: "It's devastating when you think you're out, you're doing so awesome and now you're faced with it again."
This time the tumor was in his lung. This meant more trips to the hospital, getting blood drawn and weekly chemo and radiation treatments, but that couldn't keep the smile off Alberto's face.
Alberto Hernandez: "Mostly everyone enjoys when I'm there because they actually have fun at work."
Despite the setback, mom keeps life as normal as possible which includes home schooling.
Alberto Hernandez: "She teaches me Social Studies, science, math."
And daily leg lifts to build up his strength then just recently. some great news.
Dr. Guillermo DeAngulo:"I would say he's had about a 95 percent reduction in the tumor."
But Alberto's battle is not over. That's why he wants everyone to take part in Miami Children's Hospital second annual 5-k to raise money for pediatric cancer research.
Alberto Hernandez: "It really doesn't matter if I finish first, what's important is that I finish."
Wise words from this 8-year old who has become an inspiration to everyone he's met.
Nelvis Hernandez: "If we could inspire and motivate somebody out there and give them some strength, and give them that peace that's going to keep them going, it's all good."
You can join Team Alberto and walk or run for research the 5-k will take place Saturday, September 29th.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Miami Children's Hospital 5K:
Saturday, September 29th
Register On-line at www.MCH5K.com
or call Karen Araque:
Tel: (786) 624-2826
Alberto Hernandez: "I like to play new Super Mario Brothers, Sports Mix. I like to play Sonic."
But his video game battles with his little sister are nothing compared to his battle against cancer.
Nelvis Hernandez: "We were told he was diagnosed with a ewing sarcoma, and that's a bone cancer."
Dr. Guillermo DeAngulo: "He initially came with a tumor in his leg."
Doctors at Miami Children's Hospital say ewing's sarcoma affects about 250 kids in the U.S. every year. It can start with pain or a bump on the leg. A child may limp or have a fever.
Dr. Guillermo DeAngulo: "He had surgery for the leg. He had chemotherapy and he did very, very well."
For two and a half years, Alberto was in remission then this February heartbreaking news, the cancer came back.
Nelvis Hernandez: "It's devastating when you think you're out, you're doing so awesome and now you're faced with it again."
This time the tumor was in his lung. This meant more trips to the hospital, getting blood drawn and weekly chemo and radiation treatments, but that couldn't keep the smile off Alberto's face.
Alberto Hernandez: "Mostly everyone enjoys when I'm there because they actually have fun at work."
Despite the setback, mom keeps life as normal as possible which includes home schooling.
Alberto Hernandez: "She teaches me Social Studies, science, math."
And daily leg lifts to build up his strength then just recently. some great news.
Dr. Guillermo DeAngulo:"I would say he's had about a 95 percent reduction in the tumor."
But Alberto's battle is not over. That's why he wants everyone to take part in Miami Children's Hospital second annual 5-k to raise money for pediatric cancer research.
Alberto Hernandez: "It really doesn't matter if I finish first, what's important is that I finish."
Wise words from this 8-year old who has become an inspiration to everyone he's met.
Nelvis Hernandez: "If we could inspire and motivate somebody out there and give them some strength, and give them that peace that's going to keep them going, it's all good."
You can join Team Alberto and walk or run for research the 5-k will take place Saturday, September 29th.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Miami Children's Hospital 5K:
Saturday, September 29th
Register On-line at www.MCH5K.com
or call Karen Araque:
Tel: (786) 624-2826