Meet Harrison

At age 14, Harrison was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma. A freshman in high school at the time, Harrison endured five rounds of chemotherapy and 14 radiation treatments.

Despite months of difficult treatment throughout the summer and fall of 2016, Harrison’s cancer returned in the spring of 2017. Harrison’s hematologist/oncologist, Erika Friehling, MD, started him on an experimental immunotherapy clinical trial. Unfortunately, it failed to work. Disappointed but undeterred, Dr. Friehling recommended an autologous stem cell transplant, wherein Harrison’s own stem cells would be harvested, filtered, and transplanted back into his body to fight off the cancer. 

In the summer of 2017 — a year after his initial cancer diagnosis — Harrison was readmitted to UPMC Children’s. After several weeks in the hospital and a successful autologous stem cell transplant, Harrison was once again discharged home, receiving follow-up care over the next few months.

In February 2018, a routine scan revealed a spot near Harrison’s bronchial tubes. Several months later, physicians confirmed that the cancer had returned once again.
In August 2018, Harrison was readmitted to UPMC Children’s for an allogeneic stem cell transplant — this time, with cells harvested from a donor.

Several months after the procedure, 16-year-old Harrison was finally deemed cancer free. But Harrison's journey doesn't end here. The next chapter of his story is filled with inspiration and the promise of a healthy future.

To hear the rest of Harrison's incredible journey, join us during the DVE Rock's Children's Radiothon. When you become a Platinum Rockstar with a $20 monthly gift, you support every kid like Harrison in achieving the healthy future they deserve.

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