Peruvian Girl, 13, Rings Victory Bell After Conquering Leukemia

Valery D.B., a 13-year-old from Pucallpa, traveled to Lima for a routine check-up at the National Institute of Child Health (INSN) San Borja. There, she received the news her family had eagerly awaited for eight years: her treatment for leukemia was successfully completed, and she is now cancer-free.

The young teenager, who celebrated her birthday on July 19, participated in a ceremony organized by the Hematology service at INSN San Borja. She rang the "victory bell," a tradition symbolizing the end of oncological treatment. The event brought together the healthcare team that supported her journey and her overjoyed family, all celebrating this significant new beginning.

Valery's battle with cancer began in July 2018 when she was just four years old. Initial symptoms included nosebleeds, severe headaches, abdominal pain, and bruising. After initial treatment at the Yarinacocha hospital, she was referred to INSN San Borja. Specialized tests confirmed a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and she started outpatient chemotherapy.

Her treatment faced interruptions that affected her progress. However, in January 2019, she was readmitted to the institute in a more critical condition. The medical team administered a re-induction therapy with five medications, successfully regaining control of the disease. Valery then completed her chemotherapy cycles by the end of 2021 and continued with regular check-ups. This year, she received the confirmation of her victory over cancer.

During an emotional ceremony, Valery rang the victory bell, a symbol of completing her oncological treatment. She was surrounded by medical professionals and family members delighted by her recovery. Dr. Zulema Tomas Gonzales, the Director General of INSN San Borja, praised the collaborative efforts of the multidisciplinary team and the crucial family support throughout Valery's treatment. She also noted that this marks the second pediatric cancer patient to successfully complete treatment at the institute within a week. The institute estimates that approximately 1,800 new cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed annually in Peru.