Beating Wilms Tumor: How AJ's care team at Manning Family Children’s helped him survive and thrive

When Shantelle Robinson took her 4-year-old son, Anthony Johnson Jr. (AJ), to the pediatrician in June 2020, she thought he might be constipated. AJ, who was in preschool, had been complaining of stomach pain on and off, but Shantelle didn’t think it was unusual for a child his age. 

But one day, the pain became worse than ever, and Shantelle decided it was time to take AJ to the pediatrician in their hometown of New Orleans—despite it being the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Following a physical exam, the pediatrician urged Shantelle to take AJ to the Emergency Department at Manning Family Children’s in New Orleans. A few hours later, on June 15, AJ was admitted to the hospital following a series of tests.  

It turned out AJ’s condition was anything but ordinary. The diagnosis was something Shantelle and her partner, Anthony Johnson Sr., AJ’s dad, didn’t see coming. Cori Morrison, MD, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist, met with AJ’s parents and told them something no parent ever wants to hear. 

“AJ had a mass that was invasive to his left kidney and we were concerned it was malignant due to its size,” Dr. Morrison explained. “His chest CT scan also revealed two nodules on his left lung.” 

Just three days later, on June 18, AJ underwent surgery to remove the mass along with his left kidney. Tissue samples were sent for biopsy, and the diagnosis was officially confirmed. 

“Dr. Morrison told me it was stage 4 cancer. AJ had Wilms tumor,” Shantelle recalled. 

Wilms tumor, more commonly known as nephroblastoma, is a rare kidney cancer that mainly affects young children. It usually impacts just one kidney, as was the case with AJ, but sometimes, a patient with Wilms tumor has to have both kidneys removed. Fabienne Gray, MD, a general surgeon at Manning Family Children’s, performed the radical nephrectomy which is a surgery that involves removing the entire kidney. 

Treatment for Wilms Tumor 

Dr. Morrison explained the treatment plan for AJ, and his parents knew he was in good hands. He began chemotherapy and underwent radiation therapy to both his abdomen and chest, under the guidance of radiation oncologist Ellen Zakris, MD.  

“There were times we had to stay in the hospital for days at a time,” said Shantelle. “The longest stretch was seven days—we were basically living there off and on.” 

Shantelle shared that while family and friends suggested she and Anthony take AJ to a dedicated cancer hospital, they chose to stay at Manning Family Children’s because of the compassionate care they received. “It was because of the way we were treated there—with kindness, respect, and genuine concern for AJ,” Shantelle added. 

Through it all, Shantelle said the hospital staff made an unimaginable situation feel manageable. “Everyone at Children’s was amazing. We especially loved all the nurses who took care of AJ during his stay and treatment.” 

Dr. Morrison gave Shantelle the reassurance that AJ was in the right place. “I really felt like she cared,” Shantelle said. “She answered all my questions, and even when I didn’t understand something, she would sit down and explain it again. She made me feel like she truly understood what I was going through.” 

The entire Children’s community went above and beyond to lift AJ’s spirits during his treatment. Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, he received a surprise phone call from his favorite football player, Taysom Hill of the New Orleans Saints. Hill also sent AJ a signed football and shirt—an unforgettable moment that brought joy and excitement during a difficult time. 

A cancer-free future for AJ 

On June 26, AJ was discharged and continued his treatment both inpatient and outpatient. 

AJ completed his treatment in February 2021, and three months later, he got to “ring the bell”—a powerful ceremony that marks the moment a cancer patient officially enters remission. 

Dr. Morrison continues to see AJ for annual follow-up visits. In the first year after treatment, AJ returned every three months for CT scans of his chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Since then, his follow-up appointments have become less frequent as his condition has remained stable.  

“We want to make sure there is no evidence of recurrence and to monitor any possible late effects of treatment,” Dr. Morrison explained. She will continue to see AJ annually until he turns 23, at which point his care will transition to an adult oncologist who will follow him for the rest of his life. 

Gearing up for a ‘major’ career 

Standing 4 feet 7 inches tall, Shantelle says her third grade son is a bundle of energy and enthusiasm. “All he talks about is wanting to grow up and be a professional football player!,” she said. 

Thanks to the care he received and the strength of his family and care team, he has returned to the kind of life every child deserves, one filled with movement, music, laughter, and hope. 

“If you saw him now, you’d never know he was ever sick,” said Shantelle. “He plays football, he’s in the school band, and he dances with the drill team at a local dance studio. He’s just full of life.” 

To join the fight against childhood cancer, right here at home, visit manningchildrens.org/cancer.

To learn more about pediatric oncology services at Manning Family Children’s in New Orleans, please visit manningchildrens.org/services/hematology-oncology/oncology-services/.

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About Manning Family Children’s:

Manning Family Children’s is a 263-bed, non-profit academic pediatric medical center that offers comprehensive healthcare services, including over 40 pediatric specialties, just for children. With more than 600 pediatric providers, Manning Family Children’s offers a comprehensive array of specialized pediatric services in Louisiana and the Gulf South. In addition to its main campus located in New Orleans, Children’s operates a network of specialty clinics across Louisiana, including in Covington, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Lafayette, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Children’s offers primary care at 17 convenient locations, along with a network of statewide pediatric affiliations. Children’s is a proud member of LCMC Health, a Louisiana-based, not-for-profit hospital system which also includes New Orleans East Hospital, Touro, University Medical Center New Orleans, West Jefferson Medical Center, East Jefferson General Hospital, Lakeview Hospital, and Lakeside Hospital. Learn more at manningchildrens.org.