Charlie's Story – Thriving after Leukemia and Relapse

The Rider family 

When Charlie Rider began receiving care for acute lymphoblastic leukemia at Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center at age 4, his mother, Caroline, sent email updates to her large family and circle of friends. After a brief remission, Charlie's cancer came back, and he returned for more treatment, including a stem cell transplant. Caroline's reflections grew into a touching chronicle of four years in the life of a child with cancer. Today, Charlie is a healthy 8-year-old reunited with his parents and older brothers, Harry and Max.

This four-part series includes excerpts from Caroline Rider's email updates, video reflections by family members, and interviews with clinicians at Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center.

Part 1: Diagnosis and Treatment for Leukemia

Charlie is diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and undergoes two years of treatment at Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center.
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Part 2: Relapse and Stem Cell Transplant

Charlie’s cancer returns and he undergoes a stem cell transplant at Dana-Farber/Children’s Hospital Cancer Center.
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Part 3: Recovering from Stem Cell Transplant

Charlie returns home but remains in isolation for a full year as he recovers from a stem cell transplant.
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Part 4: Looking Back

Charlie’s cancer has remained in remission for the two years since coming home from his stem cell transplant. The Rider family reflects on Charlie’s cancer journey, and the impact it has had on each of their lives.
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