Genome Sequencing at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital Leads to Personalized Cancer Treatment For Toddler, Now a Thriving Athlete

(PRUnderground) December 4th, 2024

Ruby is an active sixth-grader who loves to swimming, violin, soccer and writing. But when Ruby was three years old, her parents Ali and Mark wondered if she’d make it to her fifth birthday.

Ruby went to the doctor for a little white spot at the bottom of her neck. It ended up being cancer, and it had spread to her lungs, and one tumor was pressing on her heart.

Just as her family was considering hospice, doctors at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital told them about rapid whole genome sequencing (rWGS), and how it might help them find a personalized treatment to help Ruby.

Doctors used rWGS on Ruby and the tumors, and used that information to identify a new cancer therapy that targeted Ruby’s specific cancer.

It worked. The tumors in Ruby’s lungs shrunk by 90 percent in a few months.

“Now, there’s no evidence of disease, and she’s been off treatment for three years,” her mom said.

Ruby is giving back, and helping other families at Primary Children’s Hospital by serving meals at the Ronald McDonald Family Room.

She’s also making a special tree for the 54th annual Festival of Trees in Utah, to honor the child life specialists who helped her when she was in the hospital.

The annual Festival of Trees returns to the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, Utah, December 4-7, bringing holiday magic to the community with hundreds of beautiful displays donated to help children like Ruby.

A treasured Utah holiday tradition now in its 54th year, the Festival of Trees is presented by Intermountain Foundation and brought to life by a dedicated 80-member community volunteer board. All funds raised will support Primary Children’s Hospital, provide care to children in need, and deliver on Intermountain Health’s Primary Promise to create the nation’s model health system for children.

“Our community truly is making a difference in the lives of children by supporting this beloved holiday tradition,” said Katy Welkie, chief executive officer of Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital and vice president of Intermountain Children’s Health. “We are grateful to our dedicated volunteers for their commitment to helping children thrive, and invite the community to join us at the Festival of Trees December 4-7.”

The Festival of Trees features:

• More than 550 beautifully decorated trees twinkling with a half million lights, as well as wreaths, nativities, gingerbread houses, quilts, and all-inclusive “Trim the Home” displays.
• 5,000 pounds of the famous Festival of Trees fudge in 51 flavors, along with scones and other holiday treats.
• Live entertainment including music, dance, and visits with Santa Claus and the Grinch.
• Handcrafted Items for auction or sale, donated by talented volunteers, many in honor of loved ones who have been patients at Primary Children’s Hospital.

The public is invited to participate in the online silent auction at from 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 3, through 9 p.m. Wednesday, December 4 at FestivalofTreesUtah.org. Quilts and a selection of seasonal items also are for sale.

All items for auction or sale at the Festival of Trees were handcrafted and donated by thousands of talented volunteers from Utah and neighboring states. Many are made in honor of friends and family who are or have been patients at Primary Children’s Hospital.

“Last year, the Festival of Trees raised $3.4 million to help children like Ruby at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital,” said Janet DeWolfe, executive director of Intermountain Foundation at Primary Children’s Hospital. “We invite the community to ring in the holiday season at the festival of Trees, and give generously to help children at Primary Children’s Hospital and boost children’s health throughout our state and region.”

Tickets and event information are available at FestivalofTreesUtah.org

About Intermountain Health

Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a not-for-profit system of 34 hospitals, approximately 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For up-to-date information and announcements, please see the Intermountain Health newsroom at https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.

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Original Press Release.