Toddlers Aren’t Immune: A Mom’s Struggle with Her Child’s Devastating Recurrent Infections

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Toddler’s Battle with Rare Cancer Offers Hope and Highlights Urgent Need for Research

Emily Robichau and her family”>

emily robichau with her family.

Boston, MA – A Massachusetts family is sharing their story of resilience and hope after their son, Jonny Terrell, was diagnosed with a especially aggressive and rare cancer known as malignant rhabdoid tumor. The harrowing ordeal began shortly before Jonny’s first birthday, with a cascade of unexplained illnesses that ultimately led to a shocking diagnosis in August 2024.

A String of Symptoms Led to a Devastating Discovery

Initially, Jonny Terrell was a thriving infant. Though, a month before turning one, he developed an infection, followed by persistent vomiting and a constellation of symptoms – ear infections, stomachaches, rashes, and diarrhea – that baffled his mother, Emily Robichau. Despite multiple doctor visits, the source of Jonny’s distress remained elusive.Robichau, a mother of three, recognized something was profoundly different about her youngest child’s ongoing health struggles.

A dramatic swelling in Jonny’s abdomen prompted an immediate visit to Massachusetts General Hospital for Children. Subsequent CT and MRI scans revealed a significant mass, approximately the size of a grapefruit, in his liver. A biopsy confirmed the grim diagnosis: malignant rhabdoid tumor, a rare cancer predominantly affecting infants and young children.

Understanding Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor

Malignant rhabdoid tumor is an exceptionally uncommon malignancy, diagnosed in only 20 to 25 children annually in the United States, according to Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Michael Ortiz, a pediatric oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, explained that these tumors can appear in various soft tissues, but frequently manifest in the brain or kidneys. Notably, the tumors have a tendency to spread rapidly throughout the body.

the prognosis for children diagnosed with malignant rhabdoid tumor is unfortunately poor, with a survival rate of approximately one in ten, according to medical experts. The aggressive nature of the disease and its propensity to metastasize contribute to the challenging treatment landscape.

A Customized Treatment Plan and a Remarkable Response

Fortunately, jonny’s case presented a rare advantage: the tumor had not yet spread. Dr. Lauren boal, a pediatric oncologist and hematologist, alongside Dr. Danielle Cameron,a pediatric surgeon,designed a complex and individualized treatment plan.This comprehensive approach involved a six-agent chemotherapy regimen.

While the chemotherapy proved effective in shrinking the tumor, Jonny experienced notable side effects, necessitating a feeding tube to ensure adequate nutrition. Throughout his treatment, Robichau and Terrell relied on support housing near the hospital, balancing the demands of Jonny’s care with the needs of their other children.

Following chemotherapy, Dr. Cameron surgically removed the remaining mass, followed by radiation therapy. Despite the arduous journey, Jonny displayed remarkable resilience and maintained a positive spirit, even bringing joy to the hospital staff with his playful demeanor.

Current Status and Future Outlook

As of September 2025, Jonny is currently in remission and undergoing close surveillance. Frequent scans are essential to monitor for any signs of recurrence, especially given the typical relapse timeframe within the first two years after treatment completion. He also receives monthly IV antibiotics to mitigate the risk of infections due to his compromised immune system.

While Jonny’s initial battle is over,experts caution that survivors of malignant rhabdoid tumor may face long-term health risks,including an increased likelihood of developing secondary cancers.

A Family’s Gratitude and a Renewed Viewpoint

Robichau emphasized that the family is embracing each moment and cherishing their newfound thankfulness for life. They recently celebrated Jonny’s second birthday, transforming a previously somber date into a joyous occasion.

Jonny Terrell and Emily Robichau.

“We still live minute by minute, day by day, week by week, as much as we

What underlying medical conditions might contribute to recurrent infections in toddlers?

Understanding recurrent Infections in Toddlers

As a pediatrician, and a mother, I’ve seen firsthand the heartbreak of watching a child battle illness after illness. Many parents believe toddlers build immunity quickly, but the reality is, their immune systems are still developing. Recurrent infections in toddlers – defined as multiple infections within a short period,or infections that are unusually severe or prolonged – are more common than many realize. this isn’t just about frequent colds; it can signal underlying issues needing attention. we’re talking about repeated ear infections (otitis media), bronchiolitis, pneumonia, sinus infections (sinusitis), and even skin infections like cellulitis.

Why Are Toddlers Prone to Recurrent Infections?

Several factors contribute to increased susceptibility:

Immature Immune System: A toddler’s immune system is still learning to recognize and fight off pathogens.

Daycare Exposure: Group settings expose children to a wider range of viruses and bacteria. This is frequently enough unavoidable, and can actually help build immunity over time, but initially increases infection rates.

Developing Hygiene Habits: Toddlers haven’t yet mastered handwashing and covering coughs, facilitating germ spread.

Secondhand Smoke: Exposure weakens the immune system and increases respiratory infection risk.

Underlying Medical Conditions: In some cases, recurrent infections indicate an underlying immune deficiency or other medical problem.

Recognizing the Signs: When to Seek Medical Attention

Its normal for toddlers to get sick,but persistent or severe illness warrants a visit to the pediatrician. Look out for these red flags:

Frequent Infections: more than 6 ear infections in a year, or multiple bouts of pneumonia.

Severe infections: Infections requiring hospitalization or intravenous antibiotics.

Prolonged Infections: Symptoms lasting longer than expected for a typical illness. Such as, a cold lasting more than 10-14 days.

Poor Weight Gain or Loss of appetite: Chronic illness can interfere with nutrition.

Fever that Doesn’t Respond to Medication: A persistent high fever despite fever-reducing medication.

Unusual or Severe Symptoms: Any symptom that seems out of the ordinary or causes meaningful distress.

My Personal Experience: A Mother’s Outlook

My youngest, Leo, was a happy, thriving baby until he turned one. Than the infections started. First, it was ear infections – one after another.Then came bronchiolitis, followed by a persistent cough that wouldn’t quit. Each illness seemed worse than the last, and I felt helpless watching him suffer. The constant cycle of sickness was exhausting, not just for leo, but for our entire family.We were constantly at the pediatrician’s office, then the emergency room. It felt like we were living in a perpetual state of illness. The emotional toll was immense – the guilt,the worry,the fear that something serious was being missed.

Investigating the root Cause: Diagnostic tests

When recurrent respiratory infections or other persistent illnesses occur, your pediatrician will likely recommend testing to identify the underlying cause. Common tests include:

complete Blood Count (CBC): To assess white blood cell counts and identify signs of infection or immune deficiency.

Immunoglobulin Levels: To measure the levels of different antibodies, which are crucial for fighting off infections.

Allergy Testing: To rule out allergies that may be contributing to respiratory symptoms.

Chest X-ray: To evaluate for pneumonia or other lung abnormalities.

Sweat Test: To rule out cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that can cause recurrent lung infections.

Referral to an Immunologist: In complex cases, a specialist might potentially be needed for further evaluation.

Boosting Your Toddler’s Immunity: Practical Tips

while you can’t eliminate all infections, you can take steps to strengthen your toddler’s immune system:

Nutrition: Offer a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Ensure adequate intake of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc, all vital for immune function.

Hydration: Encourage plenty of fluids, especially during illness.

Sleep: Toddlers need 11-14 hours of sleep per night for optimal immune function.

Handwashing: Teach and reinforce proper handwashing techniques.

Avoid Smoke Exposure: protect your child from secondhand smoke.

Vaccinations: Keep vaccinations up-to-date to protect against preventable diseases.

Probiotics: Consider a probiotic supplement to support gut health, which plays a crucial role in immunity. Discuss with your pediatrician before starting any new supplement.

The Importance of Gut Health and Immunity

The gut microbiome – the community of bacteria living in the digestive tract – has a profound impact on immune function. A healthy gut microbiome helps train the immune system to distinguish between harmless and harmful substances. Factors like antibiotic use, diet, and stress can disrupt the gut microbiome, weakening immunity. Focusing on a diet rich in prebiotics (foods that feed beneficial bacteria,