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Skip page contentFrom a Sudden Collapse on the Playground - to a New Hope
The inspiring story of little AJ, a patient at the Hematology-Oncology Division of Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel
Date: 21.07.25 | Update: 07.08.25
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While playing in the park with his father, little AJ suddenly stopped breathing. What seemed like a moment of parental panic quickly turned into a medical nightmare: a massive 6.5 cm tumor was discovered in his brain. One year later – smiling, playing, and gradually returning to preschool – AJ’s story reflects the innovation and excellence of Israeli pediatric medicine, the resilience of determined parents, and the power of life-saving research made possible by the generous support of the Nevzlin Family Foundation.
Over the past year, Schneider Children’s has made substantial progress in research and development in the field of pediatric oncology. This progress was made possible thanks to the support of the Nevzlin Family Foundation, which recognized the severe lack of funding in this area and chose to take meaningful action to change that reality. As a result, innovative treatments specifically developed for pediatric cancer patients are now being advanced.
According to Dr. Yehudit Birger, Director of the Hemato-Oncology Laboratory at Schneider Children’s:
“Our research and diagnostic laboratories focus on developing advanced diagnostic methods and breakthrough testing tools. These innovations allow for faster and more precise characterization of malignancies and support more accurate treatments that significantly improve chances of recovery."
While playing at the playground with his father, little AJ suddenly stopped breathing. What seemed like a brief moment of parental panic quickly turned into a medical emergency. His father, Elliot, didn’t hesitate – he called a taxi and, together with a driver who trusted his instincts, headed straight to Schneider Children’s. There, following a series of urgent tests, the devastating diagnosis was confirmed: a massive 6.5 cm tumor was discovered, deeply embedded in one of the most complex and high-risk areas of the brain. Surgery was not an option, and only a small biopsy could be performed to obtain a tissue sample. One year later – smiling, playing, and gradually returning to preschool – AJ’s story is not only a personal miracle, but also a testament to the advancement of Israeli pediatric medicine, the unwavering determination of his parents, and life-saving medical research.
From that moment on, AJ began an intensive medical journey: emergency neurosurgery, three months of hospitalization, time in the intensive care unit, and a prolonged stay in the children’s ward that involved consultations from nearly every department in the hospital. AJ’s condition was extremely serious, but the team at Schneider Children's – together with his devoted parents – never lost hope.
Several months ago, AJ was enrolled in a groundbreaking international clinical trial in which Schneider Children’s is participating. The treatment involves an advanced, personalized biological drug. The results have been remarkable: the tumor has shrunk by 50%, and AJ’s overall condition has improved significantly. Today, he is gradually returning to a normal childhood – attending preschool, playing, and regaining his strength.
AJ’s family lives in Ra’anana. His father, Elliot, immigrated to Israel from the UK 15 years ago as a lone soldier. His mother, Sarah, made aliyah from South Africa six years ago. Just last month, the couple welcomed a new baby – AJ’s little brother. With courage and optimism, the family continues to face the future with strength and hope.
According to Dr. Helen Toledano, Head of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Unit at Schneider Children’s:
“This was an extremely complex brain tumor. We had to make fast decisions, balancing the risks of inaction with the potential benefits of a new experimental biological therapy. After careful consideration, we chose the innovative path – and thankfully, it paid off. Within three months of starting treatment, the tumor had shrunk by 51%, and AJ’s condition improved.”
Dr. Toledano adds:
“This is an extraordinary improvement for a child with such a complicated tumor. It highlights the vital importance of conducting advanced pediatric research, a field that is too often overlooked in drug development. Thanks to the generous support of the Nevzlin Family Foundation, we were able to make this treatment accessible.”
Pediatric Oncology: A Critical Field with Insufficient Resources
Pediatric oncology remains one of the most complex challenges in modern medicine. Because cancer is less common in children than in adults, many pharmaceutical companies and research organizations avoid focusing on pediatric treatments. As a result, there is a chronic shortage of pediatric-specific drugs, innovations, and clinical developments. Children with cancer are often left behind in terms of access to new, life-saving treatments.
Recognizing the systemic gap in pediatric oncology – marked by underfunding, limited innovation, and a lack of institutional leadership – the Nevzlin Family Foundation chose to step into the role traditionally held by research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory bodies. Through an extraordinary financial commitment – estimated in the millions of shekels – the Foundation empowered major advancements at Schneider Children’s: the development of innovative therapies specifically designed for children with cancer, cutting-edge diagnostic technologies, and breakthrough testing methods that significantly improve survival rates. In addition, the Foundation invested significantly in expanding access to medications not included in the national health coverage, helping children who would otherwise have no viable treatment options.
One of the lab’s most important recent breakthroughs, made possible by this support, is the implementation of Nanopore sequencing technology, a cutting-edge diagnostic tool. This new test allowed AJ’s tumor to be classified within one day after the surgery – an unprecedented speed in pediatric neuro-oncology. The goal of this test is to significantly improve the speed, accuracy, and personalization of brain tumor classification in children.
Nanopore-based classification results are available much faster than traditional pathology reports. This fast turnaround enables more targeted staining in pathology and reduces unnecessary tests – saving both time and resources while increasing diagnostic precision. Additionally, Schneider Children’s lab optimized the process to work with minimal sample volumes – a crucial advantage in pediatric tumor diagnostics, where tissue availability is often limited.
Other Research Breakthroughs at Schneider Children’s in Pediatric Oncology:
- Use of precision medicine in leukemia treatments has increased cure rates from 40% to 90%, with the goal of ultimately achieving a 100% cure rate.
- Advanced genomic testing that improves decision-making about bone marrow transplants for children at risk. These tests help identify children who truly need a transplant, while also sparing others from unnecessary and potentially harmful procedures. In some cases, precise genomic testing led to the identification of tumors that respond to innovative biological therapies – resulting in the tumor's disappearance and full recovery.
- Blood tests for identifying and monitoring solid tumors – surprisingly, innovative liquid biopsy tests can sometimes eliminate the need for invasive biopsies, especially in cases of tumor recurrence. Neuroblastoma is the most common solid tumor in children under the age of five, and about 50% of these children will experience a relapse, with survival rates around 50%. At Schneider Children’s, a unique molecular blood test was developed to monitor treatment response and detect recurrence—months before clinical symptoms appear. This enables earlier, more accurate intervention and increases the chances of recovery in children with relapsed disease.
These innovations are already saving lives. For example, a two-month-old infant with a chest tumor that did not respond to chemotherapy was found – through genomic testing – to have a mutation responsive to a new biological drug then in clinical trials. The baby recovered fully. As more infants with the same condition responded successfully, the drug received approval from the Ministry of Health. Another case involved a young girl with an aggressive form of leukemia. Genomic testing revealed that her cancer was suitable for targeted biological therapy, which led to her full recovery and eliminated the need for a transplant.
In some cases, genetic testing not only saves a child’s life – it also protects their siblings. When a hereditary cause is found for a child’s cancer or blood disorder, it may turn out that siblings carry the same genetic mutation. Thanks to early detection, they can be monitored and treated before any symptoms appear. At Schneider Children’s, such cases are handled by the dedicated Oncogenetics Clinic, which focuses on inherited cancer syndromes.
The Nevzlin Family Foundation’s Impact: A New Model for Pediatric Medical Innovation
.jpg "Irina and Leonid Nevzlin")
Irina and Leonid Nevzlin
The Nevzlin Family Foundation’s outstanding philanthropic investment demonstrates how private donors can step in to fill critical gaps and create meaningful changes in children’s healthcare. Their support has connected diagnostic and research arms in a way that directly benefits young patients and improves their chances of survival.
By responding to the urgent needs expressed by the medical and research staff at Schneider Children’s Hemato-Oncology Division and diagnostic laboratories, the Foundation enabled groundbreaking discoveries that are already changing lives.
Leonid Nevzlin:
"I strongly believe in equal opportunity. In medicine – and especially in pediatric care – this principle is even more vital. For me, it's a deep commitment to building a juster, healthier society."
At Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, no child is ever left behind. AJ’s story – and many others like his – are proof of the unwavering dedication, compassion, and scientific excellence that drive our teams forward. Thanks to our commitment to personalized medicine and advanced technology, we are giving real hope to children who once had no treatment options. Today, AJ is a symbol of that hope – and of the power of science to save lives.
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