A 14-year-old has beaten a rare cancer that doctors initially misdiagnosed as a sports injury.
A video released by Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital shows Evan Lallo ringing the "bravery bell" back in June, signaling he had completed his final chemotherapy treatment.
In the video, as Evan rings the bell, family members, friends and hospital staff cheer him on and give him high-fives and hugs.
"I was surprised by how many people were there to support me that day. It meant a lot seeing everyone who cared for me along the way," Evan said in a statement released by the hospital.
He added, "I stayed focused on what needed to be done so I could get back to doing all the things I love. 'Just keep going' is my message to others."
According to Cleveland Clinic Children's, Evan, who is active in sports including basketball, football, and lacrosse, started noticing pain in his right shoulder in the summer of 2024 and was first diagnosed with rotator cuff tendinitis.
When his pain grew worse and impacted his arm, Evan underwent an MRI scan that showed he had a mass in his neck, which was later determined as Ewing sarcoma.
The National Cancer Institute defines Ewing sarcoma as a type of rare cancer that develops in the bones and soft tissues in the body. Ewing sarcoma primarily affects teens and young adults, according to the NCI.
Symptoms of Ewing sarcoma can include a lump in the arms, legs, chest, or pelvis; pain or swelling near the lump; an unexplained fever; an unexplained bone injury; a limp when walking; fatigue; shortness of breath; anemia; weight loss; back pain; weakness; numbness; or arm or leg paralysis.
Evan began chemotherapy and radiation therapy for Ewing sarcoma in November 2024 and required seven months of treatment, according to Cleveland Clinic Children's.
In order to regain some of the mobility he lost in his right arm and shoulder, which had been impacted by the tumor, Evan's doctors opted to perform a procedure called a nerve transfer, which involves connecting a damaged nerve to a healthy nerve, with a goal of restoring function, the hospital said.
The procedure was a success, according to the hospital.
By June this year, Evan's scans showed no remaining signs of cancer.
"It was a life-defining moment that was months in the making -- filled with relief, pride and gratitude for the community of support we've had with us throughout this time," Evan's mom Megan Lallo said, according to Cleveland Clinic Children's.
With his cancer treatments behind him, Evan said he is now looking forward to returning to school and getting back to his favorite activities.
"I can't wait to get back to playing sports with my friends, especially basketball," he said.
