July 16, 2026 | Source: The Defender | by Michael Nevradakis, Ph.D.
At age 15, Brody Matteson had a bright future ahead of him. A resident of Ladera Ranch, California, Brody was a star high school athlete. But two weeks before his 16th birthday, Brody was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare cancer that ultimately took his life in March. He was 17.
Brody was one of at least six Ladera Ranch children diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma since 2023. A rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the bones or soft tissue, Ewing sarcoma primarily affects children and teenagers.
Brody’s father, Dustin Matteson, shared Brody’s story in an interview with The Defender. He said Brody was a healthy and active child who played a cumulative total of 32 seasons’ worth of sports while in high school. Dustin said Brody’s death has contributed to questions Ladera Ranch residents have about what may be causing the cancers.
Only about 200 U.S. children and teens are diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma each year, according to the National Cancer Institute.
