St. Jude patient Avyan with his parents
Avyan's story
Avyan is something of an old soul. Though he is introverted and quiet, he carries himself with a confidence and a strength well beyond his years.
His maturity and optimism have given fortitude to his family as they walk through the unimaginable.
It started with a stomachache and vomiting. What first seemed like a simple childhood virus began to worry Avyan’s parents when it wasn’t resolving.
They brought Avyan in to see his local pediatrician who ordered testing, including a scan of his brain.
Neither Avyan nor his parents were expecting what came next ... they were told he had a cancerous tumor in his brain.
Thankfully, Avyan and his family were referred to St. Jude, where doctors placed him on a treatment plan that included chemotherapy and a special radiation therapy.
Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.
St. Jude is the place where my child’s life was saved. It’s like a holy place to me. I take pride in saying my child was treated at St. Jude. There is no place like St. Jude.
Avyan's mom, Divya
Avyan has now completed treatment and is back at home. He enjoys learning about space and hanging out with the family dog, Astro.
Avyan celebrating the Hindu festival of Holi
When you support St. Jude, you can help make cures possible for kids with cancer, like Avyan. Together, we can save more lives.
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Meet Kamryn
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Meet Rinoa
Rinoa had an MRI due to headaches and, later, double vision. Doctors found a cancerous brain tumor called medulloblastoma and was soon referred to St. Jude.