When Anthony “A.J.” De La Torre was just nine years old, his jiu jitsu instructor gave him a powerful nickname: The Silent Assassin. Little did they know, this moniker would perfectly describe how A.J., now Aj 16, has been battling a relentless, unseen enemy for the past seven years – recurrent medulloblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer that predominantly affects children.
This young fighter, aj 16, embodies quiet strength as he continuously defies expectations despite facing two cancer relapses and severe health complications. His journey has included two rounds of hemodialysis and a challenging five-week stay in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at CHOC Children’s Hospital, where he battled critical breathing and other life-threatening issues.
Among A.J.’s dedicated team of medical champions is Dr. Vanessa Wong, a pediatric critical care physician. Dr. Wong played a crucial role when aj 16 was rushed to the Emergency Department at CHOC following a seizure earlier this year. His mother, Carolina Valls, deeply appreciates Dr. Wong’s exceptional care, stating, “Dr. Wong’s dedication and compassion towards A.J. and our family will forever be etched in our hearts.”
Following his initial PICU admission, aj 16 showed improvement and was transferred out of intensive care. However, his condition worsened rapidly. Just three days later, he experienced respiratory failure due to parainfluenza, necessitating re-intubation and a return to the PICU. This marked the beginning of a demanding 2.5-month stay under the constant care of numerous CHOC physicians.
“Even when Dr. Wong wasn’t officially assigned to his case, she consistently checked in to see how he was progressing,” Carolina fondly remembers.
A.J.’s battle with brain cancer began in the cerebellum, the area at the lower back of the brain responsible for vital functions like muscle coordination, balance, and movement. Medulloblastoma, in particular, is known for its tendency to spread through the cerebrospinal fluid, which protects the brain and spinal cord.
The first signs of this aggressive cancer appeared when aj 16 was in fourth grade, marked by unexplained vomiting. In December 2017, just days before his tenth birthday, doctors at another hospital delivered the life-altering diagnosis. Subsequently, surgeons removed 95% of a tumor the size of a tennis ball; the remaining 5% had infiltrated his brainstem, making complete removal impossible at that stage.
Despite undergoing rigorous chemotherapy and radiation therapy, aj 16 experienced his first relapse in May 2020, followed by a second in April 2022. After the first recurrence, he received a stem cell transplant. The second relapse was met with further chemotherapy combined with proton radiation. Adding to the complexity of his treatment, aj 16 has undergone three craniotomies to surgically remove the recurring brain tumors.
In early 2024, aj 16‘s medical journey led him to the Emergency Department at CHOC. However, his association with CHOC began almost a year prior when he was admitted as a hemodialysis patient. Doctors at his previous hospital had expressed doubt about his ability to ever come off dialysis. However, CHOC’s nephrology team achieved the seemingly impossible, successfully taking him off dialysis in late March 2023.
Ann Fulcher, aj 16’s dialysis nurse coordinator, played a significant role in his care. Carolina highlights Ann’s dedication: “Ann changed A.J.’s central line dressings every week and would consistently go above and beyond.” Ann recalls the relief and admiration she felt for the family: “I was so happy when he went off dialysis. I witnessed everything his family endured. It’s been incredibly tough on them. I have immense respect for their strength, and aj 16 has been remarkably strong throughout this fight.”
When aj 16 arrived at CHOC’s ED in January 2024, he also required urgent respiratory support. Pulmonologists, including Dr. Neil Nakra, the medical director of pediatric pulmonology, and Dr. Antonio Arrieta, medical director of the pediatric infectious disease team, joined his care team. Following his extended stay in the PICU, aj 16 was transferred to the oncology unit before finally being discharged home in late March.
Dr. Wong emphasizes the rarity of aj 16’s case, noting, “It’s unusual to see a child with such critical illness requiring PICU admission who then recovers enough to be discharged home.” She reflects on the profound impact aj 16 had on his caregivers: “A.J. is a patient that I will remember forever. Even though I only cared for him briefly, his resilience and positive attitude deeply impressed me.”
Dr. Wong initially anticipated a short hospital stay for aj 16. “When he returned to the PICU much sicker, I was genuinely concerned he might not survive his hospitalization,” she admits. “However, I quickly learned that aj 16 is a determined and quiet warrior. Witnessing his journey from the PICU back to the oncology unit and finally seeing him discharged home was truly extraordinary.”
A.J.’s artistic talent shines through his love for drawing. As a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Wong upon his discharge, aj 16 presented her with a special gift: a hand-drawn and colored picture of Choco Bear, CHOC’s beloved mascot. The drawing included a simple yet powerful inscription: “Thank you for taking care of me.” Dr. Wong proudly displays this cherished gift in her home.
Despite moments of hope, an MRI in late August 2024 revealed cancer progression in aj 16‘s brain and spine. Consequently, he restarted chemotherapy. By mid-October, subsequent MRI scans indicated stability. Remarkably, by late October, aj 16 remained off dialysis and showed slight improvements in his breathing, although he still requires 24/7 oxygen support, according to Carolina.
“We take it one day at a time, and A.J.’s positive attitude makes it easier for us,” says Richard De La Torre, A.J.’s father. “He has always been a calm and easy-going child, and he rarely complains. We also rely heavily on our faith.” Richard further explains their approach to coping with the ongoing challenges: “We’ve persevered, and he’s persevered, so we focus on making the best of each day. Negative thoughts can be overwhelming if you allow them to take over.”
Reflecting on their experiences at CHOC, Richard emphasizes the exceptional level of care they received: “Throughout all our hospital stays, we have never felt more supported and cared for than during his PICU stay. The dialysis nurses were also consistently outstanding. Despite their demanding schedules, they were always attentive and proactive.”
Aj 16: A Miracle Teen
A.J.’s medical team continues to view him as nothing short of a miracle. “He has defied every single prognosis he has been given,” Carolina proudly states. She expresses immense gratitude for the CHOC doctors, nurses, and the entire care team, acknowledging their tireless efforts to heal, comfort, and uplift countless patients and families. “Thank you for being the everyday heroes who make such a profound difference in so many lives,” Carolina concludes.
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CHOC Hospital’s Recognition: CHOC Hospital has been recognized as one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report in their 2024-25 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings and is specifically ranked for its cancer specialty.
