Aaron Doerger (youngest pictured above w/ his brother Ethan and sister Abby) was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma on May 18, 2006, at the age of 22 months. He was treated pursuant to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia protocol for the disease, under the direction of Dr. Stephan Grupp. In order to keep him close to his family in Connecticut, however, most of his chemotherapy was completed at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital in Valhalla, New York under the supervision of Dr. Claudio Sandavol. Aaron's adrenal mass was surgically removed on August 28, 2006 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center by Dr. Michael LaQuaglia. Aaron then completed tandem stem cell transplants at CHOP, in October and December of 2006, which included total body radiation. His treatment was completed in March of 2007 with local radiation at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Aaron has been in remission from Neuroblastoma since September of 2006. He is currently participating in a t-cell study at CHOP.

Though Aaron's treatment was a very long road for Aaron and his family and friends to endure, many people were inspired by his courage and his faith. His family maintained a website where regular updates and current photos were posted. In return, people from all over the country sent well wishes and prayed for Aaron regularly. It was wonderful for his family to see the many lives that Aaron's story had changed for the better. He is still an inspiration to his family and they are all enjoying their time together and pray for a complete recovery for Aaron and all children with pediatric cancer.

Hero Story Update:

It has been 11 years since Aaron’s diagnosis with neuroblastoma. While he was in treatment, the nurses always reminded us that the treatment process was a marathon. The challenges of survivorship have also presented ongoing issues similar to a long race, but we are so pleased with Aaron’s progress and development.  

Aaron is a sixth grader this year!  He has grown into such a wonderfully vivacious young man. From his knowledge and passion for all things Star Wars, to his love for reenacting Daffy Duck and Looney Tunes sketches, Aaron keeps us all laughing. He has enjoyed learning the game of golf and looks forward to playing with his dad and older sister. He also loves to go to the batting cage and practice pitching and hitting with his dad. In addition to his sports interests, Aaron plays the trumpet and is participating in his first theatrical production this spring.

Aaron always strives to try new things and experience diverse adventures. His passion for others and his desire to keep his life as normal as possible is an inspiration to many around him.

Information provided by Chelsea Doerger, Aaron’s mother
Updated March 2017