(BPT) - Diego Serna's life changed forever in January 2020 when what seemed like a normal Saturday morning playing video games turned into a medical emergency for the then 13-year-old. After a frightening discovery of swollen, painful hands led to a devastating leukemia diagnosis, Diego and his family faced not just one challenge, but a series of them -- including a heartbreaking relapse nine months into treatment. For Diego and his family, cancer has been more than a medical journey -- it has been a battle that has impacted every aspect of their lives.

While leading-edge medical treatments addressed the disease, it was supportive care at City of Hope that helped Diego and his family navigate their new reality. Through counseling sessions with a psychologist, support from a child life specialist and social worker, and dedicated activities even when isolation was necessary, Diego found ways to cope with his treatment journey. "The supportive care team makes it a little easier," his father shares. "They help you understand what you're going through."