“When someone has cancer, the whole family and everyone who loves them does too”

The Alcala Family moved from Texas to Sacramento and were adjusting to a being a new family of four with the arrival of Baby Jacob. During a holiday visit to celebrate his First Christmas, Jacob’s father noticed that his right shin was swollen. Mom also glanced over and her initial reaction was, “He probably fell down, let’s put some ice on it.”  After returning home, Jacob took antibiotics over the course of 2 months for a possible infection.

With no improvement, the next step was an MRI which showed a mass on his leg. Jacob was quickly referred to UCSF for a biopsy. Annabel will never forget the day she heard, “I am sorry. The cells appear to be abnormal, the pathologist thinks he might have Rhabdomyosarcoma.” This news was shared with family and loved ones in Texas who sent their support from afar.

Annabel’s favorite quote,  “When someone has cancer, the whole family and everyone who loves them does too” (Terri Clark). Despite the rollercoaster ride they’ve experienced this past year, the Alcala Family is united and stronger than ever…”We are ready to finish and beat this battle with cancer as a family!”.

Jacob is now 2 years old, loves animals especially dogs, and enjoys being a dinosaur while chasing around his 5 year old sister, Hailey, and parents. Now, the Alcala Family loves participating in KCCA family events such as Holly Jolly, Funderland, and Fairytale Town…”we have the opportunity to meet other families and create wonderful family memories outside the hospital setting.”