Hometown: South Los Angeles, CA
Game: UCLA vs. Hawaii
In January 2015, Ramon “ReyRey”as taken to the emergency department (ED) at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center with a cough, headache, runny nose and fever. At the time, ReyRey’s parents thought he had picked up a virus from a schoolmate, but they became increasingly concerned when their normally energetic five-year-old started to nap more frequently, eat and drink less and report aches and pains in his back and legs.
A few weeks after his first ED visit, Rey was diagnosed with pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). ALL, the most common cancer among children, is a fast-growing form of leukemia that requires aggressive treatment. Rey was cared for at an outside hospital for two years, undergoing weekly outpatient chemotherapy infusions, numerous procedures and a daily oral medication regimen. Throughout every blood draw and transfusion appointment, however, he remained positive and even offered support and encouragement to other children undergoing treatment.
“Rey knew right away he was going to fight this,” Jassmine, Rey’s mother, says. “He knew he was going to come out of this. He never, ever gave up.”
In January 2017, Rey’s family transferred his care to UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital. Jassmine, an admissions clerk at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, describes the transfer as a “coming home.” Rey is now in remission and nearing the completion of his treatment regimen. UCLA is inspired and honored by the opportunity to treat and care for Rey and his entire family.
Congratulations to Rey for being honored as a UCLA Kid Captain!
