Toddler Completed Cancer Treatment in Buffalo

A 15-month-old girl has finished her chemotherapy and recovery following a liver transplant.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Cancer

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Hazel Ward, a 15-month-old from Lewiston, has officially completed her cancer treatment at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Hazel Ward has officially completed her cancer treatment at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo. The 15-month-old patient celebrated the milestone by ringing the hospital's bell following a successful liver transplant.

Why it matters

The completion of treatment marks a significant recovery for the young patient who had been diagnosed with hepatoblastoma. Her journey included months of chemotherapy and a complex surgical procedure at the regional cancer center.

Hazel Ward is 15 months old and underwent months of chemotherapy paired with a liver transplant in March 2026. The full recovery timeline remains under medical observation.

The players

Hazel Ward

She is a 15-month-old patient who recently completed treatment for hepatoblastoma at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

This is a Buffalo-based facility that serves as a major cancer research and treatment institution in Western New York.

The details

Hazel Ward, who resides in Lewiston, received comprehensive care at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her treatment regimen involved intensive chemotherapy and a liver transplant, which was performed earlier this year.

Timeline

  1. March 2026: Hazel Ward received a liver transplant.

  2. September 15, 2026: Hazel Ward rang the bell at the cancer center.

Deeper Dive

This case follows the standard hepatoblastoma treatment protocol, which integrates intensive systemic chemotherapy with surgical intervention. The successful outcome reinforces the effectiveness of specialized care pathways for rare pediatric liver tumors.

The case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and the necessity of regional access to specialized pediatric transplant facilities. Families facing similar diagnoses can consult local oncology centers for information on treatment options and supportive care programs.

The takeaway

This recovery serves as a reminder of the vital role played by multidisciplinary medical teams in pediatric care. Continued follow-up and pediatric surveillance remain essential components for children who have undergone liver transplantation.

Further reading

For more information on pediatric oncology support, visit the Cancer resources section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by WKBW.