Football practice was leaving a teen athlete out of breath. A rare cancer was to blame.

Cameron Rider’s journey with cancer started unexpectedly when he decided to join the football team in high school. What began as fatigue and shortness of breath during pre-season practices quickly escalated into a serious health crisis. After multiple bouts of pneumonia and hospitalizations, Rider was eventually diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma, a rare form of cancer affecting his lung.

The diagnosis came as a shock to Rider, who was only 16 at the time. His first thought was of mortality, wondering if he would survive the ordeal. However, he remained hopeful as he underwent a bronchoscopy, which revealed the presence of a mass in his lung. Further testing confirmed the cancer diagnosis, and Rider was faced with the prospect of surgery.

Rider was referred to the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, where he met Dr. Danielle Cameron, the surgical director for pediatric oncology. The surgical team devised a plan to remove the tumor through an eight-hour surgery, which included a left upper lobectomy to remove part of Rider’s lung. Despite initial concerns about the impact on his athletic abilities, Rider trusted the expertise of his medical team and underwent the procedure.

The surgery was successful, and Rider’s cancer was considered cured. However, the road to recovery was not easy. Dealing with pain and adjusting to life with a missing lung lobe presented its challenges. Yet, with the support of the hospital staff and his own determination, Rider slowly regained his strength and mobility.

After weeks of recovery, Rider was able to resume his athletic activities, missing only a portion of his baseball season. Grateful for the opportunity to return to sports for his senior year, Rider continued to play soccer and ice hockey. Now 19, he is applying to colleges and working as a referee while undergoing long-term surveillance to monitor any signs of cancer recurrence.

Reflecting on his journey, Rider acknowledges the impact of his experience on his perspective. Playing sports with part of his lung missing has made him appreciate the little things in life and the importance of not taking anything for granted. Despite the challenges he faced, Rider considers himself fortunate to have had a perfect outcome and remains grateful for the support and care he received throughout his ordeal.