Surrounded by Love, Defined by Strength: Iris’ Story Inspires Us All

Iris, 13, stood surrounded by her family and care team as they witnessed her ring a loud, unmistakable bell, a powerful symbol marking the end of her cancer treatment. Cheers erupted, and tears filled the room as those who supported her through every step celebrated the strength and resilience that brought her to this milestone.

The moment marked more than the end of a long and difficult journey. It was the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with healing, hope, and a long-awaited return to the simple joys of being a kid.

Iris first came to the clinic at Trinity Health Oakland after an unexpected diagnosis transformed what had seemed like a routine illness into something far more serious: Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that forms in the bones or surrounding soft tissue and most often affects children, teens and young adults.

After receiving her initial care and a referral to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Iris continued her treatment at Trinity Health Oakland. Over the course of the next 10 months, hospital visits and treatments replaced summer plans and school routines, reshaping daily life for both Iris and her family.

“This came out of nowhere,” said Paul Lomasney, Iris’ father. “You’re trying to understand it, praying, asking how something like this happens.”

Iris’ journey included chemotherapy, radiation and all the ups and downs that come with cancer treatment.

“From the very beginning, Iris showed extraordinary strength and resilience,” said Dr. Jennifer Blase, M.D., Ph.D., a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and Trinity Health Oakland - Pediatric Hematology Oncology, and one of Iris’ physicians. “We were able to bring compassionate nursing care and the best of modern medicine to her treatment, but it was her spirit and determination that carried her through to today.”

“She is a spunky ray of sunshine,” said Chloe Simer, a pediatric oncology nurse at Trinity Health Oakland and Iris’ primary caregiver. “Even on the days she didn’t feel well, she lit up the room. She inspired us all.”

That strength was instilled by her mother, Mandi Staron, whose presence became a constant source of comfort and advocacy.

“From the very beginning, we just focused on getting her through each moment,” Mandi said. “You do whatever you have to do to make it easier on your child and to help them stay strong.”

“Mom has definitely been the MVP,” Paul said. From managing appointments to sitting beside with Iris, Mandi made sure her daughter never faced a moment alone.

The joint operating agreement between Trinity Health Oakland and University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital also played a critical role in Iris’ journey. By bringing nationally ranked pediatric specialty care closer to home for Iris and her family who reside in St. Clair, Michigan, the commute was reduced from a four-hour round trip to Ann Arbor to roughly half that time to the Oakland hospital along the Woodward Avenue corridor, easing the burden during months of frequent appointments.

“Having an accessible location for care makes such a difference for our patients and their families,” said Nurse Chloe. “They can come somewhere they trust, where they know the team, and feel both safe and supported.”

That trust turned the clinic into more than a place where Iris received treatment. It became a refuge where she was met with familiarity, encouragement, and connection.

“The care team made something incredibly hard feel possible,” said Paul.

On the day Iris rang the bell, her journey had come full circle. Surrounded by family and those that had cared for her, she marked the end of treatment with a moment filled with joy, relief and hope.

“I’m just so happy for her,” said Nurse Chloe. “Enough of this. She gets to be a kid again.”

Interested in learning more about the joint operating agreement between Trinity Health Oakland and University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital? 

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