During a state championship qualifying competition for Claire’s favorite sport, gymnastics, her parents noticed her limping while running to the vault. Claire won first place in the competition, but the family went to urgent care so her leg could be examined. They worried she might have a hairline fracture or other small break. Seeing concerning images on Claire’s x-ray, the urgent care physician connected her with Nationwide Children's Hospital where she met Thomas J. Scharschmidt, MD, director of the Pediatric Orthopedic Oncology Program. 

After running tests and x-rays of his own, Dr. Scharschmidt informed Claire and her family she had osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that most often starts in the arms and legs. 

“Our family felt many emotions and fears of every other family that hears the word ‘cancer’,” remembers Claire’s mom Amanda. “But we were comforted that this diagnosis was not the end of her story but only the beginning.” 

Treatment for Claire’s diagnosis included chemotherapy and surgery to remove the majority of her left tibia. Dr. Scharschmidt performed her surgery and was not only able to remove the cancerous section but also reconstructed her leg, giving Claire hope to return to gymnastics once healed.  

Claire’s surgery and chemotherapy treatments were successful, and she now has no evidence of disease. She proudly rang the Milestone Bell at the completion of her chemotherapy treatments and is now back to competing in gymnastics and doing great.  She recently had another surgery to correct the growth imperfections that developed in her leg. Claire continues to do well and doesn’t let anything slow her down.