Fort Good Hope resident Chloe Dixon, aged 12, received a diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer last summer. In discussions with her family regarding treatment options, medical professionals introduced a new procedure that could potentially preserve Chloe’s fertility for the future. Chloe expressed initial surprise upon learning about the program but ultimately saw it as a favorable choice given her limited understanding at her young age.
Many cancer treatments have the potential to harm a patient’s fertility. The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and Mount Sinai Fertility Clinic in Ontario have collaborated to offer pediatric patients a fertility preservation program, as first reported by the Toronto Star. Through ovarian tissue cryopreservation, one ovary is surgically removed, processed, frozen, and stored for potential future use in reproduction.
Since her diagnosis, Chloe has undergone multiple surgeries and chemotherapy at SickKids in Toronto. Dr. Kriti Kumar, a pediatric oncologist at SickKids, emphasized the importance of providing patients with choices for their reproductive autonomy, especially when cancer treatments may impact fertility. While adult patients can freeze mature eggs, this option is not available for children.
Discussing tissue preservation typically occurs soon after a cancer diagnosis to allow patients and families ample time for consideration. Dr. Kumar highlighted that certain cancer treatments can accelerate the decline of a person’s egg reserve, potentially causing early menopause in young patients.
The collaborative program at SickKids has seen fewer than 20 pediatric patients undergo the preservation procedure to date, with no tissue reimplantation having occurred yet. As survival rates for pediatric cancer improve, medical professionals are increasingly focused on enhancing the long-term quality of life for post-cancer patients.
Chloe’s father, Paul Dixon, expressed initial overwhelm at the option presented by doctors but ultimately viewed it as a positive choice for Chloe’s future amidst the complexities of her cancer diagnosis and treatment. He appreciated the inclusive approach of involving Chloe in medical discussions alongside her parents. Chloe underwent the tissue preservation procedure in August 2025 and is currently in the maintenance phase of chemotherapy, eagerly anticipating her return to school.
Reflecting on the future, Chloe expressed gratitude for the opportunity to potentially have children and remains optimistic about her recovery and future prospects, hoping for a life post-cancer treatment similar to that of her peers.