Early Diagnosis Leads to Good Outcome
October 21, 2025
Michael Geary was an exuberant 3-year-old when he started to lose interest in eating and indicated to his parents he was in pain.
Michael, who is on the autism spectrum, was largely non-verbal, so parents Allison and Mike set about trying to find the source of his discomfort. There were visits to his pediatrician and the dentist, but the problem persisted.
Then, suspecting Michael had ingested a small LEGO piece, the family headed to the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center. An initial gastrointestinal x-ray found no LEGO, but the radiologist saw something concerning and ordered a CT scan.
The second test revealed a mass at the back of Michael’s stomach, near the adrenal gland. “We came in for a LEGO and the next thing you know we’re being moved to oncology,” recalled Allison of the fraught journey that began during Thanksgiving week in 2024.
A Careful Plan
The mass was a neuroblastoma, a rare cancer most common in infants and young children. Michael was admitted immediately, and plans were made to operate.
A team was quickly assembled with pediatric surgeon Keith Kuenzler, M.D., at the helm. “It was like a military operation – tactical, thoughtful, thoroughly planned out,” said dad Mike.
The tumor was in a tricky spot, near the back of the stomach, behind the spleen. Dr. Kuenzler operated on the Monday after Thanksgiving – removing the tumor laparoscopically through Michael’s navel, leaving just a small scar.
The malignant mass was caught early enough that its tentacles hadn’t attached to other organs. The surgery was at the end of November, and Michael was soon back to his high spirits, his parents report, and by January, he started school “cancer-free.” Periodic scans are needed, but no other treatment is necessary at this time.
Going Above and Beyond to Meet the Family’s Needs
“Neuroblastoma is a really scary thing, and thankfully, it was caught when it was. It was a miracle,” said Allison. “The radiologist was amazing; he was extremely thorough.”
Dr. Kuenzler credits Michael T. McGuire, M.D., a pediatric radiologist, with the skilled early diagnosis that led to the good outcome. “It shows the importance of having a pediatric-trained radiologist, and Michael McGuire is one of the best we have,” said Dr. Kuenzler.
He said the family’s experience highlights “everything a children’s hospital does well” – from staff in the emergency room attuned to treating kids with special needs, to the immediate availability of a pediatric radiologist.
Allison and Mike agree, noting that staff went above and beyond – flying in an enclosed bed and providing a weighted blanket to make Michael more comfortable and safe as he is prone to wandering at night. The family was brought to a special area in the emergency room for Michael’s sensory issues, and there was a wonderful playroom equipped with toys to distract him.
“Everyone was so kind in addressing Michael’s special needs,” said Allison. “We had a wonderful children's team that came in with stuffed animals and coloring books and games. They were absolutely amazing...It was as good an experience as it could be.”
Dr. Kuenzler also developed a rapport with Michael that helped calm the child, Allison said. “Dr. K is a rockstar!” Mike said simply.
Exceptional Care, Close to Home
Throughout the difficult time, communication with the health care team was excellent, Allison said. The family, which includes 6-year-old Georgia, lives in Ho-Ho-Kus, and Allison and Mike said they are happy and relieved to have a quality children’s hospital so close to home. “We’re just so thankful,” said Allison.
Michael’s grandfather, also named Michael Geary, has long been a generous supporter of Hackensack Meridian Health system and now serves on the foundation’s board.
“It’s always a good experience at Hackensack, but this one was above and beyond. From my standpoint, it was miraculous,” said the grandfather. “Thank God for such great doctors. It’s a tremendous team and we’re blessed to have them in our state.”
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