Full Breakdown
Six-Year-Old Overcomes Neuroblastoma and Spinal Cord Injury Through Intensive Rehabilitation
9/2/2026, 11:56:01 AM
Medical Diagnosis and Initial Treatment
Matias was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer arising from immature nerve cells, after his parents, Rachel Osborn and Jason Kling, observed unexplained symptoms when he was seven and a half months old. Multiple pediatric visits over five weeks led to the discovery of a tumor pressing against his spinal cord. Surgeons removed as much of the tumor as possible and chemotherapy was administered to treat residual disease. Shortly after surgery, Matias experienced sudden paralysis from the waist down, despite the tumor’s removal.
Rehabilitation at Kennedy Krieger Institute
Following medical clearance, the family began physical therapy immediately, recognizing a narrow window for effective intervention. They enrolled Matias in a program at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, a specialized spinal-cord injury center located about 45 minutes from their home. Physical therapist Rachel Mertins has overseen his therapy since he was roughly 1½ years old, focusing on stepping, balance, body control, and sensor-guided exercises. Progress is measured in incremental milestones, with repetition, patience, and persistence emphasized throughout each session.
Family Role and Motivation
Matias’s identical twin, who is able-bodied, serves as a motivational reference for him, reinforcing his desire to achieve similar mobility. Both parents highlight the child’s resilient attitude, describing his optimism and willingness to try new approaches during therapy. The family views his ongoing rehabilitation as a broader story of grit that extends beyond the medical challenges.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We started noticing some symptoms that we really didn't know what they were. They were kind of loosely connected,” — Rachel
- “They sat us down. Matias has cancer,” — Rachel
- “We knew that there was a really narrow window of time to start physical therapy,” — Rachel
- “He's positive and he is upbeat, and he makes jokes, and he interacts with adults and the kids and everyone in this place and brings so much joy,” — Rachel Mertins
- “The fact that he has an identical twin who is able bodied, I think that did a huge amount for his mentality and his spirit to know that he wanted to move like his brother,” — Jason
