It can be tough to deal with a cancer diagnosis. After all, the diagnosis comes with a huge emotional and psychological impact, not to mention the uncertainty about the future and sometimes overwhelming financial burden. It can be even tougher to deal with a cancer diagnosis when you’re managing a rare cancer, like anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL).
Even more rare for Rayven Forbes is that she’s just 15 years old. In most ALCL cases, people aren’t diagnosed until their 60s; men are also significantly more likely to develop the cancer than women. But despite the challenges that she’s facing in this ultra-rare space that she’s found herself in, Rayven is thriving—partially thanks to the support from her community.
Reporting from Destin Howard at WREX shares that Rayven is an avid softball player. So when she got sick, the Forest City Toxic Softball Team began planning fundraising events to raise money for Rayven’s treatments. Most recently, the team members held a fundraiser at Rascals Bar and Grill. Although Rayven experienced a cancer relapse in early 2023, her treatments seem to be working. Rayven is so thankful for the support and can’t wait until she can get back onto the field.
What is Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma (ALCL)?
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system; it has many different subtypes. Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma is one of those subtypes. It makes up just 1% of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases. Typically, ALCL is either located on the skin (localized) or in the lymph nodes and the body (systemic). Symptoms vary based on the location but may include:
- Fever and drenching night sweats
- Appetite loss
- Unintentional weight loss
- Red skin lesions
- Open sores that won’t heal
Treatment options include chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, and Adcetris. Stem cell transplants are most often used for people whose cancer is effective or continues to recur after treatment.
