When Sabina McMahon was 12, doctors in Portland, Oregon diagnosed her with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. After surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, she enjoyed a brief period of remission before the disease returned, spreading to her lungs and prompting a series of relapses.

Her parents and younger brother, Charlie, have moved the family to Columbus, Ohio, to be near Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where Sabina now receives treatment. The relocation underscores the lengths families will go to secure the best medical care for a child.

Medical journey and ongoing treatment

Sabina’s treatment has included multiple surgeries, including removal of a tumor from her right knee and insertion of a titanium rod, as well as aggressive chemotherapy aimed at shrinking lung tumors. She recently enrolled in a clinical trial in Cleveland but withdrew to focus on immediate chemotherapy needs.

Despite the challenges, Sabina remains in school and is preparing for her senior year. She has also become a vocal advocate for pediatric cancer research, noting that only four cents of every federal research dollar goes to childhood cancers, a figure she says is often overlooked by pharmaceutical companies.

Music as a source of hope

Throughout her illness, music has been a constant companion. Sabina began writing songs at age ten and recently completed her first full-length album. She recorded her debut single, “Cinematic,” while awaiting surgery, describing the experience as a bright spot amid treatment.

Her family says the creative outlet helps her cope with the emotional toll of repeated relapses, which she describes as “ChemoBrain” and possible post‑traumatic stress.

Family resilience and faith

Sabina’s mother shares that she turns to prayer and draws strength from the examples of women in her family history, including her grandmother and historical figures like Eliza Hamilton. The family’s faith and perseverance have been central to navigating the uncertainty of cancer.

While the McMahon family’s story is deeply personal, it highlights broader issues facing families dealing with pediatric cancer: the need for specialized care, the financial and emotional strain of long‑term treatment, and the importance of advocacy for increased research funding.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.