Nori is a kind and caring 10-year-old who loves dancing, drumming, and art. She is now fighting cancer for the 4th time in her life.

In January 2021, Nori began to experience an unusual and sharp pain in her back. She was admitted to hospital and doctors ran tests for several days.

Her family then received the devastating news... Nori was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma.

In those early days, both Nori and her family could have never predicted just how much of a rollercoaster they were about to embark on. 

Nori has now bravely endured major surgery to remove her tumor, bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.

In the 4 years since her initial diagnosis, Nori has also relapsed 3 times and she’s now fighting cancer for the 4th time in her young life. 

Her most recent relapse took place in January, after the effects of a special intensive radiation treatment started to wane and her cancer came back more aggressive than ever. 

In the past, Nori had been fortunate that the cancer itself did not affect her outwardly, but this time she began to experience nausea, itchiness, and debilitating pain as it spread throughout her body.

A decision was made to repeat the intensive radiation treatment one final time, and Nori was admitted to hospital at the end of January. While this was helpful in holding back the cancer for a period, allowing Nori to feel more like her usual self again, it turned out to be a temporary solution.

The radiation therapy is too intense, with too many associated risks, to be repeated a third time, so her care team had to change course. Genetic testing identified mutations to Nori’s cancer cells, which opened the door to new targeted treatment options.

Her parents are thankful for the advancements in research and care that have made this possible, with her mom sharing, “I can’t emphasize enough how lucky we are to have such a special world-class hospital in Toronto filled with the best health practitioners, not just in their skills, but in their empathy and thoughtfulness.” 

Nori is currently receiving a combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy to give her the best chance of beating this disease. Her next scans will indicate the efficacy of the current treatment plan and inform any changes going forward. 

Despite the ups and downs of ongoing cancer treatment, Nori is staying incredibly positive and living life to the fullest! She is thriving at school, and loves to dance, drum, kickbox, and cycle whenever she can.

Nori, you are a true legend and an inspiration. We’re riding for YOU this August!