Pediatric cancer warriors get experience of a lifetime thanks to Intermountain Health and the Las Vegas Raiders

Oct 16, 2024 at 10:05 AM

The Las Vegas Raiders huddle with Intermountain Children’s Health patients after a Raiders practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

HENDERSON, Nev. – The Las Vegas Raiders and Intermountain Health honored three young cancer survivors with an unforgettable experience in front of the crowd at Allegiant Stadium. Evelyn and Jerry, from Las Vegas, as well as Ruby from Utah, were honored pregame to a cheering crowd in front of the Al Davis Memorial Torch.

Days before the game, they were able to visit the Intermountain Health Performance Center where the Raiders train and practice. The children and their families attended part of practice, were memorably greeted by the full Raiders team, and received a personalized visit from Raiders players Alexander Mattison, Ameer Abdullah, and Andre James, and Raiderettes Camille and Kennedy.

Ali, Ruby's mother shared, "Ruby and our family got to see the Raiders practice, have lunch at the Intermountain Health Performance Center, and go watch a game at the stadium. We got to hang out with other cancer kiddos, Intermountain Health, Andre James, and talk to fellow fans and strangers who recognized Ruby from the Jumbotron. We are so thankful to Intermountain Health for making this experience possible.

The Raiders, football, Intermountain Health – it's all about the people. The more we connect as people, in whatever experience we are having, the richer life is. We are coming away from our experience feeling like we won the lottery. It's been great getting to know fellow fighting families and meeting supportive strangers. We will keep the memories of these experiences forever."

Young Evelyn is an energetic six-year-old. The aspiring "fashionista" keeps a happy smile despite being dealt with setbacks since she was 21 months old after finding a malignant brain tumor. She was transported by medical helicopter to Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City to begin surgery and her treatments. She is now cancer-free.

Jerry, also six years old, recently was diagnosed with retinoblastoma behind his right eye just after his last birthday. He is currently still receiving cancer treatments that did include the need to remove his right eye. Still, Hudson is the definition of resiliency. His family said he continues to seek out fun, is an avid video game player, and enjoys arts and crafts.

Jerry's mother Amber shared, "Our whole experience the last couple of weeks with the Raiders and Intermountain Health has been so amazing! Meeting families, connecting, and sharing has been wonderful. Jerry has had core memories made and we are extremely grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it."

Ruby, the oldest honoree at 11 years old, also started her cancer journey at a very young age. Doctors found around 40 tumors on her lungs when she was barely three years old. This was a rare melanoma tumor and determined to be Stage 4 cancer. During that time, statistically, there was not much hope.

A new clinical trial was Ruby's best chance, and it would be the difference she needed as she is now cancer-free. Although the clinical trial therapy had major side effects that she had to navigate, today she loves to play sports, especially soccer and swimming.

The honor from the Raiders and Intermountain caps a rollercoaster that Ruby and her family have endured to the happy occasion.

All of this year's cancer patients honored were also patients at Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital.

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Intermountain Children's Health patient Jerry takes a look at an Allegiant Stadium model at Intermountain Health Performance Center.