Sabine Simon, 4, acute lymphocytic leukemia, Sharon, CT, with dad, Eric Simon

? Sabine was diagnosed in July 2022 with symptoms of bruising, sensitivity to
temperatures, unusual fatigue, and petechiae (tiny round brown-purple spots due to
bleeding under the skin).
? The diagnosis was extremely scary at first. Her parents chose Dana-Farber for
treatment because her grandfather was treated there and they were aware of the
Jimmy Fund Clinic as a center of excellence.
? Sabine is currently in treatment and will finish this fall. Her doctor is Jessica Pollard,
MD, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.
? Sabine currently attends nursery school. She loves movement -- jumping, dancing,
throwing balls. She also loves stories and dramatic play (especially toy kitchens and
food). She is interested in animals as well.
? Her family is grateful to all the staff and doctors who have been exceptional. Ricardo
in the cafeteria always greets Sabine with a friendly hello and remembers her
choices at the hot food station. They also love their team of nurses and clinicians, as
well as Dr. Pollard who has been a great guide through Sabine's cancer journey. Her
parents feel that at Dana-Farber, they are in the exact right place for excellent care
for their daughter and the family.
Acute lymphocytic leukemia facts
? A type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow.
? Rare – accounting for less than half of 1% of all cancers in the United States.
? Acute lymphocytic leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children younger
than 15, and treatments result in a good chance for a cure.
? The word "acute" in acute lymphocytic leukemia comes from the fact that the
disease progresses rapidly and creates immature blood cells, rather than mature
ones.

? The word "lymphocytic" in acute lymphocytic leukemia refers to the white blood
cells called lymphocytes, which ALL affects.
? Acute lymphocytic leukemia is also known as acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
? ALL occurs when a bone marrow cell develops errors in its DNA.
? The errors tell the cell to continue growing and dividing, when a healthy cell would
normally stop dividing and eventually die.
? When this happens, blood cell production becomes abnormal.
? Leukemic cells can travel around your body through your bloodstream and interfere
with the function of your organs.