Wendy’s story: From a pediatric leukemia diagnosis to a life of hope and healing

In 2002, at just 12 years old, Wendy Delatte Ligori's life changed dramatically when she was diagnosed with leukemia, a cancer affecting her blood cells. Today, Wendy is thriving as a dedicated second-grade teacher, deeply grateful to the team of specialists who guided her through her journey. 

Although the news of her diagnosis was shocking, her family sought the region’s best pediatric care available at Children’s Hospital New Orleans. The hospital's leukemia and lymphoma program, notable for its comprehensive care, offers advanced treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplantation, and it is the only pediatric oncology center in Louisiana to offer CAR T-cell therapy. The program's dedication to personalized, compassionate care encompasses a multidisciplinary approach, extensive community engagement, and a strong commitment to cutting-edge research trials in partnership with the Children's Oncology Group. 

Dr. Maria C. Velez, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist, was Wendy’s guiding light during her treatment at the hospital. Wendy bravely underwent 2.5 years of chemotherapy, during which time she completed her 7th grade year through homeschooling because of her treatment’s harsh side effects. Despite the challenges she endured, her optimism never wavered, and she remained steadfastly positive.  

Wendy’s cancer went into remission, and she and her family did their best to return to their normal routines, finding joy everywhere they could. But in 2006, just four years after her initial diagnosis, Wendy learned that her cancer had returned. Dr. Velez, leveraging the latest evidence-based research, recommended a bone marrow transplant as the best course of treatment. This procedure involves replacing unhealthy blood-forming stem cells with healthy ones, effectively eradicating cancer from the stem cells.  

One of the biggest challenges for bone marrow transplants, however, is finding a willing donor whose human leukocyte antigen (HLA) tissue type matches the patient’s. But Wendy was fortunate—she matched with six anonymous donors on the bone marrow registry, with one match especially promising.  

Before she could undergo her life-saving bone marrow transplant procedure, Wendy had to complete an intensive chemotherapy regimen at Children’s Hospital New Orleans to destroy as many of her diseased cells as possible and put Wendy back into complete remission. 

"This chemotherapy was potent and had severe side effects, but Dr. Velez's encouragement was invaluable,” Wendy said. “She believed in me, which helped me stay positive.”  

In October 2006, Doctors discussed fertility preservation with Wendy and her family, a process involving egg retrieval and freezing to safeguard future fertility options. Despite only being 16 years old at the time and faced with such a difficult decision about her future, Wendy chose to undergo the fertility preservation process.  

"I'm grateful for that decision, as the radiation treatment did affect my ovaries," Wendy shared. 

On November 14, 2006, Wendy received her bone marrow transplant. The side effects were difficult and painful, but her body gradually began producing healthy blood cells, marking the transplant's success.  

"My hospital stay was only a month, shorter than usual for such treatments,” Wendy said. “I have been in remission ever since.”  

Wendy's journey didn't end there. She continued seeing Dr. Velez until she turned 26, at which point she transitioned to adult care. The bond they formed was strong, and leaving Dr. Velez's care was difficult, but Wendy was grateful for her support and guidance in finding another oncologist for ongoing check-ups and monitoring. 

"Providing compassionate and comprehensive cancer care for our pediatric patients goes beyond just treating the disease; it involves nurturing their hope, resilience, and spirit,” Dr. Velez said. “In our journey with each child, we strive to create an environment where they feel supported, understood, and empowered. It's about blending cutting-edge medical treatments with a heart-centered approach, ensuring that while we fight the illness, we also safeguard the future of every young patient in our care." 

Since her transplant, Wendy has achieved remarkable milestones: graduating from high school, then college, and earning a master’s degree in teaching. An emotional highlight was meeting her bone marrow donor.  

“The process is anonymous, but one year after the transplant was complete, both the donor and the recipient are mailed a letter asking if they would like to meet the other. If both say yes, then they are given each other’s contact information,” Wendy said. “The day my donor called my dad, I couldn’t stop crying. I learned he was 15 years older than me, a father of four boys, and an Air Force Captain.”  

The two continue to stay in touch, and every year on November 14, Wendy’s donor texts her to say, “Happy Anniversary.”  

He even came to her wedding four years ago, as did another very special person in Wendy’s life: Dr. Velez.  

“Both have made such a huge impact in my life, and I will be forever thankful for them,” Wendy said.  

Children’s Hospital New Orleans is an accredited transplant center by the National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP) and offers fertility preservation services for patients faced with difficult choices like Wendy’s.  

“Fertility preservation is a critical consideration for patients facing life-altering treatments,” Dr. Velez said. “It’s not just about safeguarding a patient’s ability to have children in the future, but it’s also about caring for the whole patient, and preserving our patient’s right to dream a full life beyond their illness.”  

Today, Wendy is a second-grade teacher and lives with her husband in Biloxi, Mississippi. She encourages anyone who is going through a cancer diagnosis to seek out high quality care and to remain as positive as possible.  

“When I was in it, my choice was to stay positive about it,” Wendy said. “Your attitude is the biggest thing. I also had a great support system, and I learned to not take life for granted, because anything can happen.”  

To learn more about cancer care at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, visit https://www.chnola.org/services/hematology-oncology/.