Hearing that nine-year-old Alayna had cancer was a tough moment for Alayna and her family. The diagnosis also hit hard for her Primary Care Physician, Matthew Rakaba, D.O., of Family Medicine Residency Clinic, not just because it was difficult to deliver the news; it was the timing, two days before Christmas 2024.
Over the next year, Alayna was treated for a medulloblastoma, a cancer that grows rapidly in the brain. Her cancer treatment was undertaken mainly in Colorado where she had a tumor resection followed by radiation treatment and nine rounds of chemotherapy. She would be there for 4 weeks, then come back to Rapid City Hospital for 4 weeks for 2 additional chemo treatments. While in Rapid City, her care would be supervised weekly by either Dr. Rakaba or his colleague, Blake Wadsworth, D.O., in addition to the Pediatrics nursing staff, and Family Medicine Residency attending Physicians and Residents.
“She is always a cheerful kid, always in good spirits every time I see her,” says Dr. Rakaba. “She is always wearing a big smile and the same Naruto hoodie.”
Upon completion of her last infusion, on Tuesday, March 17 — St. Patrick’s Day — Alayna was treated to a celebratory bubble parade. Caregivers and bubble machines lined the halls of the Pediatrics wing, prepared to shower Alayna with bubbles. To cheers of encouragement and shouts of admiration, Alayna was pushed from her room in a wheelchair toward the elevator. As she made her way to the end of the procession of balloons and bubbles, Alayna was escorted by her mom, dad and little sister. Dr. Rakaba, wearing a festive green skirt, did the honors of holding a bell, which Alayna rung to signify the end of her treatment. Afterward, celebratory cupcakes were served.
According to Dr. Rakaba, Alayna is officially done with treatment and is currently cancer free. She will continue to go to Colorado Peds for monitoring and regular MRIs. In Rapid City, Dr. Rakaba and his team will also follow her progress at the FMR clinic for labs and regular care.
May good luck — and good medical care — accompany Alayna throughout the rest of her days.
Story by Kory Lanphear
