A chapter closed, a future open 

By Julie Miles | Young at Heart

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John Modi has opinions about dinosaurs. The ankylosaurus, he'll tell you, is the best one — it isn't too vicious, but it can protect itself. He's six years old, lives in Ashland with his parents and three siblings, and lately he's been working on his ollie on his backyard skateboard ramp. He landed it recently. Not bad for a kid who, less than three years ago, was so weak he could barely walk. 

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In August 2023, John’s parents, Ryan and Kaitlyn, became alarmed as he started having nosebleeds, unusual bruising and stubborn fevers. John grew pale and weak, spurring his pediatrician to direct the family to CHoR’s emergency room with a suspicion that they could be looking at a diagnosis of leukemia. 

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It didn’t take long for that suspicion to be confirmed. During that first visit, he was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Treatment began immediately, with a week-long inpatient hospitalization to be followed by strict isolation for nine months to protect his weakened immune system while the cancer was treated with high doses of chemotherapy and steroids. It was, by any measure, a long and difficult road.  For Ryan and Kaitlyn, already navigating a hectic life with three young children and a fourth on the way, faith was a source of steadiness.  

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Early in his treatment, John voiced questions about his illness and his likelihood of survival. Ryan and Kaitlyn leaned on their faith to provide a pathway for answering questions no parent is prepared for. John found comfort in the answers, and in the quiet ritual of reading together each night. “He has such a sweet conviction now about being loved,” Kaitlyn says. “It’s really beautiful to see.” 

 

As John transitioned to a two-year maintenance phase of treatment, he was able to ease back into pre-school and low-contact sports, paired with physical therapy to help John recover the balance and muscle tone the treatment had diminished. 

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The Modis didn't expect how much they would come to feel at home at CHoR.

 

At early clinic visits, the staff’s patience and warmth slowly disarmed his fear and earned the family’s trust. When John's anxiety around his port ran high, the staff worked to ease it calmly, consistently, visit after visit. Nurses learned the names of his brothers and asked about them. "It made a huge difference in his comfort level," Kaitlyn says. “These people are now his friends.” 

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John’s primary oncologist, Dr. Lylie Hinh, was a steady and capable presence throughout. The family only learned after treatment ended that, as part of CHoR’s pediatric oncology fellowship program, John had been her first leukemia diagnosis. They were stunned. "She was amazing," Kaitlyn says. "We didn't find out until the end, and we never would have guessed it. It’s a real credit to the team."  

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Dr. Hinh knows the Modis will hold a special place in her heart, too. “Kaitlyn and Ryan made sure the family never wavered in their strength,” she says. “I am in awe of their resiliency, their spirit and their love for each other.” 

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For Ryan, the whole experience defied his expectations in the best way. "From the doctors to nurses to staff, everyone was wonderful. We had no complaints, and that alone seems remarkable." 

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On December 12, 2025, surrounded by extended family, John rang the ceremonial bell signaling the end of his treatment. Now a kindergartener, he has regained much of his strength and mobility and is keeping up with his peers in tee-ball, jiu-jitsu and backyard skateboarding. Despite some remaining cognitive effects of, he is thriving in school and is considered at low risk for relapse. 

“He’s an energetic and easy-going kid,” says Ryan. “As parents you don’t know what to expect when you are faced with something as unfamiliar as cancer. But I don’t think anything could have gone better, and we are grateful.” 

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“To this day, John has never let cancer define him,” says Dr. Hinh. “I learned from John that it never should. I am so blessed to have held John’s hand through treatment.” 

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The Modis are eager to share their gratitude. John is serving as the 2026 Anthem LemonAid Ambassador, representing CHoR during the weekend event where local families and businesses set up lemonade stands across the region to benefit the hospital’s hematology and oncology services. This year, the 26th annual event is scheduled for July 17-19. 

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Ryan and Kaitlyn know they were fortunate in their care team, their proximity to CHoR and in the family support that carried them through the hardest months, which is why John’s role as LemonAid ambassador is meaningful. “You might not know who you are going to help,” Ryan says. “But there are hundreds of families out there just like ours.” For the Modis, cancer was an unexpected chapter. But, thanks to CHoR, it will be far from the family’s whole story. The goal now is to make sure other families get the same chance.  

 

The bell John rang on December 12th marked an ending. But watching him now –- the hard-won ollie, tee-ball and family hikes — it looks a lot more like a beginning.​