Tesla "Shines with Resilience" after Lymphoma Diagnosis

“Valley Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders team is phenomenal. 
The doctors made sure to acknowledge and validate Tesla’s feelings”

– Kim, Tesla's mom

At just 7 years old, Tesla’s world changed. She was constantly tired, experienced high fevers, stomach pain and had swollen lymph nodes. Concerned, her parents sought medical help, and after extensive testing and biopsies, Tesla was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma at Valley Children’s Hospital. 

“After receiving the diagnosis, there was no ground, there was no ceiling, nothing made sense,” recalls Tesla’s mom, Kim. “We were so out of our element as parents. But when we spoke to Dr. Razzaqi, it felt like someone put their arm around us. He provided us with a semblance of comfort in the moment we needed it most.” 

Tesla Begins her Cancer Care Journey

Tesla began chemotherapy immediately following her diagnosis and completed treatment six months later. Tesla has now been in remission for more than three years. 

Kim shares that their experience at Valley Children’s Hospital was exceptional. “The Valley Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders team is phenomenal” she said. “When Tesla was first in the oncology department, she didn’t fully understand what was going on and she was scared. The doctors made sure to acknowledge and validate Tesla’s feelings. It was such an incredible expression of humanity.” 

Kim also recalls the hospital staff’s thoughtfulness as they were also dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. “Valley Children’s protocols dealing with COVID went above and beyond. They did the best they could. There were so many little things that they did that were like miracles and made all the difference. The staff is just angelic.” 

Kim emphasizes how thoughtful and compassionate the entire team was throughout Tesla’s treatment. “It would be profoundly remiss to not acknowledge all the sweetness that was demonstrated while she was there.” 
 

"Her Spirit Never Wavered"

Today, Tesla is thriving. Now 10 years old and in the fifth grade, she excels both academically and athletically. She is passionate about giving back through charity work and is deeply interested in social justice and equal rights. Tesla also enjoys creative hobbies such as dancing, singing, pottery and anything artistic. 

Tesla’s journey tested her in ways no child should ever face, yet her spirit never wavered. 

With the expert care and compassion of Valley Children’s, she found the strength to keep fighting. Today, Tesla shines with resilience. Through the Fresno Truck Center Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program, she embraces life to the fullest, joining special events and camps where she connects with fellow survivors. Each moment of laughter, each new friendship and each shared story is a reminder that hope can triumph and that joy can grow even in the hardest of seasons.

Cancer and Blood Disorders Expertise

As one of the leading pediatric cancer facilities on the West Coast, Valley Children’s serves as the only provider of pediatric oncology services between Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Our team provides specialized services for a range of cancer and blood disorder conditions, from the most common to the rarest conditions.

Learn more about our Cancer and Blood Disorders Center