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Krystie's Story

When Krystie Gomes’ leg started to hurt, it wasn’t a shock. Krystie’s time was consumed with volleyball and soccer. Injuries were expected.  But when months of physical therapy didn’t ease Krystie’s pain, alarm bells rang for her mother, Kathy. After blood tests and X-rays, her doctor discovered a large tumor on her femur.

The oncology team at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland confirmed she had osteosarcoma, the most common pediatric bone cancer. Chemotherapy started immediately, followed by surgery and more rounds of treatment. Kathy was confident that Krystie was in good hands. “At UCSF, they make you feel like a whole team has your back,” she says. 

During Krystie’s chemo, COVID escalated from concern to crisis. A hospital room packed with friends and family suddenly shifted to the support of a single caregiver, Kathy.  While isolation was tough, playing BINGO virtually with other patients let Krystie tap into her competitive side and the Child Life team kept her stocked in paint, so she could express herself through art.

All along, Krystie’s fierce spirit and positivity have served her well. She started rehabilitation the day after her surgery, to the amazement of her medical team.  Now, when friends call to complain about daily annoyances, she’s quick to encourage them – and put things in perspective. “She’ll say, ‘If I can get half my leg taken off, you’ve got this,” Kathy says with a laugh.


Our Beneficiaries

George Mark Children's House (GMCH) in San Leandro, California, is the first free-standing pediatric palliative care house in the United States. Founded in 2004, GMCH provides the comfort of home with the medical care of a top-notch hospital. GMCH exists to serve families with children who are chronically ill with a life-limiting illness and are seeking family-centered medical care that emphasizes quality of life in a compassionate, supportive atmosphere where kids can be kids and families can be families.

 

 

UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, Oakland's mission is to protect and advance the health and well-being of children through clinical care, teaching, and research. The hospital cares for more than 240,000 patients annually and welcomes all children, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or ability to pay. With values such as RESPECT, INTEGRITY, QUALITY, TEAMWORK, DIVERSITY, and STEWARDSHIP, their vision is to be a leader in children’s health.