Dakota Ann beats cancer at 2½ years old and continues to thrive
When Shari Ann Almeida’s 6-month-old daughter, Dakota, was diagnosed with pediatric cancer, her first of many tough decisions was whether to seek treatment in the Lehigh Valley or in Philadelphia. She chose expert care with a personal touch close to home.
“When you are told your child could die, nothing is more important than being together as a family,” Almeida said. “Thanks to Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, we could remain close to home during Dakota’s fight.”
Going the extra mile
The first doctor to treat Dakota after her diagnosis in April 2019 was pediatric oncologist Daniel Zinn with LVPG Pediatric Hematology Oncology.
The Children’s Cancer Center at the hospital is part of the Children’s Oncology Group, a National Cancer Institute coalition of more than 230 children’s hospitals that provides patients with access to the latest therapies, including clinical trials.
“Dr. Zinn told me he would do everything he could to save Dakota’s life and would use every tool in his toolbox to do so,” Almeida said. “I’ll never forget that Dr. Zinn was willing to consult with experts across the country on Dakota’s care. He even called a physician in Guatemala at 5 a.m. to ask a question, and that’s what sets this place apart from the rest.”
Spreading sunshine and support
Almeida also lauded Dr. Jacob Troutman, pediatric oncologist with LVPG Pediatric Hematology Oncology, for making an immediate impact when he joined the care team.
“He went above and beyond to make happiness in a place where there is none. He went out of his way to create sunshine in a place where there wasn’t any,” Almeida said. “I watched him create smiles and laughter over and over again.”
Almeida said it wasn’t just the doctors who made a difference for Dakota. At one point, Dakota refused to eat and the coffee shop at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest sent smoothies to her room.
“The nurses – I can’t say enough about the nurses. They helped me find my voice as a young, brand-new mom,” Almeida said, adding, “When you live a life like ours, nothing is more important than having a support system who knows your child by name and treats her like a person, not just a cancer diagnosis.”
Tumbling and playing
When Dakota finished her treatment on April 27, 2021, the then-toddler was tumbling on the mat, exploring the balance beam and jumping in a bounce house. Today, the 5-year-old still loves gymnastics, playing with her friends, riding her bike or scooter, and rocking princess outfits.
“Two and a half years ago, we prayed we’d see the days we are living now,” Almeida said. “We wouldn’t have made it to where we are if it weren’t for the incredible pediatric cancer team at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. Because of them, Dakota is still here, and our gratitude knows no bounds.”