When 8-year-old King Solomon went in for a routine physical, his family expected a typical checkup. Instead, they received life-changing news: King had hepatocellular carcinoma, a rare form of childhood liver cancer.
In an instant, the active young boy who loved sports found himself facing an intense course of chemotherapy, a liver resection and long hospital stays. His diagnosis would require not only expert medical care, but also the support of a team dedicated to caring for every aspect of his well-being.
For children diagnosed with cancer, treatment extends far beyond medicine. For that reason, BayCare’s St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital combines advanced oncology treatment with compassionate, family-centered services designed to support the emotional, developmental and psychosocial needs of children and families throughout their journey.
"Pediatric cancer affects every aspect of a child's life and impacts the entire family," said Dr. Don Eslin, medical director of pediatric oncology at The Bayless Cancer Institute at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Tampa. "Our goal is not only to provide exceptional medical care, but also to support each child's emotional, developmental and psychosocial well-being so they can maintain a sense of normalcy during an incredibly challenging time."
For King's family, that approach made a difference from the very beginning.
"Nothing prepares you to hear that your child has cancer," said King's mother, Bridgette Solomon. "From the very beginning, we felt surrounded by people who genuinely cared about King as a person, not just a patient. The entire oncology team helped our family navigate some of the most difficult moments of our lives. They took care of him when he was scared, celebrated with him on the good days and encouraged him through the hard ones."
The Bayless Cancer Institute at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital provides expert care for children facing a variety of cancers and blood disorders. Led by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, therapists and support specialists, the program offers individualized treatment plans tailored to each child's unique needs. Patients have access to innovative therapies through clinical trials, while families benefit from comprehensive support services, including the nearby Ronald McDonald House.
As BayCare prepares to open the BayCare Proton Center on the St. Joseph's Hospital campus, children will soon have access to proton therapy close to home. This highly targeted form of radiation treatment can help reduce exposure to healthy, developing tissue while providing an additional treatment option for certain pediatric cancers.
While advanced treatments are critical, King's family says the compassion and support they experienced throughout his care made an equally lasting impression.
"The impact the doctors, nurses and care teams made on King and our family will stay with us forever," Bridgette Solomon said. "Sometimes the smallest acts of compassion can mean everything to a family going through the unimaginable. We are incredibly grateful for the kindness and support they showed us every step of the way."
Today, King has completed treatment and is looking ahead to the future, supported by a team that cared for every aspect of his health and well-being throughout his cancer journey.
Learn more about BayCare’s pediatric oncology and hematology services: The Bayless Cancer Institute at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital
