Sophia Was Only Twelve When She Learned She Had A Rare Liver Cancer

Sophia LaBorde is a determined young girl, described by her mother, Alicia, as someone who “doesn’t back down.” Last year, when Sophia experienced gastrointestinal discomfort and a decreased appetite, she bravely insisted that her parents take her to see their pediatrician. After a series of tests ruled out more common issues like lactose intolerance and heartburn, she continued to advocate for herself, convinced that there was something more serious going on.

“We’ve always taught her to listen to her body,” Alicia recounted. “She was unwavering in her belief that something was wrong.”

Eventually, an MRI scan confirmed Sophia's fears — she was diagnosed with liver cancer that had unfortunately spread to her lung and lymph nodes.

“At first, she panicked and experienced the same worries that anyone would,” Alicia remembered. “But then she gathered herself and started asking the doctor insightful questions. The strength and grace she displayed in that moment were truly remarkable.”

The rarity and aggressiveness of Sophia’s cancer, known as fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, initially made surgery a difficult option. As a result, Sophia underwent several months of chemotherapy at a nearby cancer center in western New York under the care of pediatric oncologist Dr. Ajay Gupta.

Once the tumor had shrunk enough, Dr. Gupta reached out to the Liver Tumor Center at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. He had been collaborating with its director, Dr. Allison (“Alli”) O’Neill, about Sophia’s case, and the assessment from Dr. O’Neill and surgeon Dr. Heung Bae Kim indicated that surgery might now be possible.

Understanding the incredible rarity of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma — which impacts about 1 in 5 million people — Alicia and her husband, Derrick, took comfort in the fact that Sophia was in incredibly capable hands. “So few doctors are familiar with this type of cancer,” Alicia noted. “We’re truly grateful that Dr. Gupta connected us with Dr. O’Neill and Dr. Kim.”

In December 2022, Dr. Kim successfully removed the tumor from most of Sophia’s liver, while radiologist Dr. Raja Shaikh expertly ablated the remaining lesions. Since her surgery, Sophia’s liver scans have shown promising stability. Dr. Kim has expressed his commitment to being her surgeon for life, should she need his expertise again, while Sophia has developed a special bond with Dr. O’Neill. “She adores Alli and hopes to visit her in Boston,” Alicia shared, although the family remains optimistic that more treatment won’t be necessary.

Back in New York, Sophia is currently receiving targeted therapies and immunotherapy to address the nodules still present in her lungs, and the early results have been encouraging. Like any child facing such challenges, she has hard days, especially when she learns about friends she has made through support groups who are facing setbacks in their own battles. “When one of them hurts, they all hurt,” says Alicia, reflecting the deep solidarity they share. To channel her feelings into something positive, Sophia has started making bracelets to raise awareness and funds for families impacted by cancer.

Yet, through it all, Sophia’s spirit remains unyielding. “She’s determined to overcome cancer and achieve great things,” her mother expresses with pride. Among her aspirations: moving to Boston to become a pediatric oncologist, inspired by her friend Alli.