Abel began playing football at a young age, and he dreamed of playing in the NFL one day. All of that changed after he began to experience excruciating knee pain and his parents rushed him to the emergency department. Abel and his family were told to go to Phoenix Children’s immediately. There, at just 14 years old, Abel was diagnosed with metastatic osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, in both of his knees.
Finding strength in the face of fear
Abel was terrified of chemotherapy and tried thinking of ways he could get out of it, but he had heard that Phoenix Children’s was the best hospital for children with cancer. Knowing that he was in good hands gave him a lot of comfort. After undergoing surgery on one knee, Abel needed chemotherapy for seven months before undergoing his second surgery. It took a long time for sensation to return to his legs.
- I often wondered why a child has to go through something like this. But when you see them ring the bell, they’re your hero. He overcame the worst thing imaginableSylviaMother
While recovery was incredibly challenging, Phoenix Children’s was there every step of the way to make sure Abel had everything he needed. Thanks to donor-funded programs like therapeutic arts, Abel could play the guitar and piano during his stay at the hospital. His music therapist even gave him a keyboard to keep in his room to help pass the time. Music is a big part of Abel’s life, and now that he can’t play football anymore, it has given him a sense of peace and happiness.
A new beginning
Even while facing questions and uncertainty about Abel’s future, his family remained strong in their faith. In March 2025, Abel rang the bell at Phoenix Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders to signify the end of his cancer treatment.
“I often wondered why a child has to go through something like this. But when you see them ring the bell, they’re your hero. He overcame the worst thing imaginable,” says his mom, Sylvia.
Abel adds, “My faith in God gave me strength and courage and saved me. When I was diagnosed, I knew I would have a great story to tell as a testimony and a source of hope for other kids and families going through the same thing.” Now, Abel is looking toward a future filled with positivity and a new dream of a career in music.
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