From routine checkup to recovery: Following Raegan’s neuroblastoma journey

Raegan Glendon, once a neuroblastoma patient of Akron Children’s and Cincinnati Children’s, plays at home in Green, Ohio.

When Raegan Glendon’s parents took her to a routine 15-month well visit, they expected to hear she was healthy and thriving.

At first, that seemed true.

“Neither we nor our pediatrician noticed anything wrong,” Raegan’s mother, Kelly, recalls.

The visit was typical until a routine hemoglobin check showed Raegan’s level was lower than it expected.

“I remember thinking the result had to be wrong. I asked them to run it again,” said Kelly.

When a second test showed the same result, Kelly and the pediatrician discussed a possible iron deficiency and ordered additional lab work.

Later that day, the Glendons of Green, Ohio, received a call from the pediatrician; Kelly and her husband, Steve, needed to take Raegan to Akron Children’s right away.

During an exam, Raegan winced when the doctor pressed on her abdomen. An overnight ultrasound revealed a large mass.

The oncology team at Akron Children’s ordered more tests, which confirmed neuroblastoma, a, rare childhood cancer that develops in immature nerve cells.

“Due to Raegan’s age and the location of the mass, our team was immediately concerned about neuroblastoma,” said Dr. Hannah Elkus, who serves as Raegan’s primary oncologist at Akron Children’s.

Dr. Elkus said neuroblastoma is the most common pediatric solid tumor outside the brain. It can develop in several areas of the body but most often appears in the adrenal gland, where Raegan’s tumor was found.

Tumor testing revealed a genetic marker linked to high-risk disease, helping doctors shape an aggressive treatment plan.

A diagnosis that changed life instantly

Treatment began immediately. Normal routines disappeared, and hospital stays became common. The Glendons adjusted to a new reality centered on appointments, treatments and hope for Raegan’s future.

“We cried. We planned. We went to war,” said Kelly.

The power of collaboration

As part of her treatment plan and Akron Children’s collaboration with Cincinnati Children’s in cancer and blood disorders, Raegan was enrolled in a clinical trial that allowed her to receive chemotherapy in Akron and specialized surgery and a bone marrow transplant in Cincinnati. As Raegan moved between health systems, Kelly said the transitions felt seamless because physicians and care teams communicated openly and often.

During one particularly difficult period, the family needed to return home unexpectedly while Raegan received radiation therapy. Both her Akron and Cincinnati Children’s oncologists connected with the family to coordinate next steps.

“Knowing there would be collaboration and handoffs between both organizations made our decision even easier,” said Kelly.

A combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy helped shrink a 12-centimeter tumor, about the size of a grapefruit. After the tumor responded to treatment, Cincinnati Children’s surgeons removed it.

Raegan and mother, Kelly, are all smiles after follow-up scans bring encouraging news.

Life after treatment

Just before Christmas 2025, Raegan completed her final inpatient immunotherapy stay. The Glendons said it was the best gift of the holiday season.

In February 2026, she rang the bell to celebrate the end of active treatment.

Today, follow-up scans continue to bring encouraging news.

“We completed another round of scans in August, and received the ‘all clear,’ ” shared Kelly.

Raegan’s surveillance schedule has gradually eased from undergoing scans every 3 months to 6 , and regular clinic visits continue.

People who made a difference

Kelly credits countless physicians, nurses and specialists for helping the family navigate the most difficult chapter of their lives.

Dr. Elkus became a trusted guide throughout the process, and Kelly appreciated Dr. Elkus’ direct, unbiased communications about treatment options.

The Glendons are also grateful to the team of nurses that transformed their experience in Akron.

“Akron has a phenomenal team of truly compassionate and skilled nurses who are experts in their field,” shared Kelly. She remembers many by name – including Maddie, Brooke, Alicia, Lizzie, Jackie, Kenna and Erin – all of whom helped make difficult hospital stays a little easier.

She also praises Renee, a child life specialist who provided support beyond traditional medical care.

“What an asset to make a family feel supported in ways nursing may not have the ability to do,” Kelly reflected.

Lessons in strength and finding joy

Through everything she endured, Raegan taught her family lessons they will carry forever.

“Resiliency and strength,” Kelly said. “And that you can find so much joy in even the hardest of situations.”

Now 3, Raegan is busy making memories that once felt uncertain.

She recently celebrated her birthday this summer with a mermaid-themed party alongside her sister, Gianna, who turned 5. The family marked the occasion with a trip to Kelleys Island.

Raegan continues to attend clinic appointments, undergo lab work and receive sedation for scans. The family is working with health professionals to optimize her recovery and monitor for long-term effects.

Most importantly, they are embracing what matters most.

“We’re taking advantage of as much family time as we can and travelling,” said Kelly.

A message for other families during Childhood Cancer Awareness month

Looking back, Kelly hopes other families understand two things: childhood cancer can happen to any family and even in the face of devastating news, hope remains.

“If you’re facing a horrible diagnosis, don’t let it rob everything from you. We found joy in every moment,” Kelly said “We worked hard to keep as much normalcy as we could. We fought, we advocated, and we sought other opinions.”

“We got to the other side. You can too,” Kelly added.