Camila loves to read and draw. In March 2014, doctors in Camila’s home country of Puerto Rico determined she suffered from osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Her family traveled to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for her treatment and care, which included chemotherapy and surgery to remove the tumor as well as part of the femur in her left leg.
Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since it opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude is working to drive the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90%, and we won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.
We’re so grateful for everything at St. Jude.
During Camila’s stay at St. Jude, she was beyond thrilled when she got the opportunity to meet St. Jude supporter, and fellow Puerto Rican, Luis Fonsi.
“For us it was a wonderful experience,” said Camila’s mom, Roxane. “Camila was really excited and it was even more special because he's Puerto Rican just like us. Knowing that he supports St. Jude, which is our second home, is something that I will forever cherish.”
Today, Camila is finished with treatment and she returns to St. Jude for regular checkup appointments. This fall, Camila is in the eighth grade. “It hasn’t always been easy,” said Camila’s mom. “But we’re so grateful for everything St. Jude has done.”
Help our families focus on their sick child, not medical bills.
When you donate monthly, your gift means families, like Camila's, never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
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Great Dad Jokes
One of our St. Jude dads has some awesome dad jokes! Watch his son's reaction.
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My daughter has cancer: A dad's story
Marcus reflects on having a daughter with cancer being treated at St. Jude.
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Meet Luigi
Luigi and his family came from New York to receive treatment at St. Jude for medulloblastoma. This happy kid loves robots, country music and art.
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Celebrating Best Friends Day
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Meet Bridget
As an active kid, Bridget's partial amputation of her leg was incredibly difficult. But she isn't letting that get in the way of living her fullest life.
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Kindergarten and beyond
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Meet Kris
The rare blood disorder that former St. Jude patient Kris was diagnosed with now is the inspiration for the art she creates.
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Meet Charlotte
Charlotte and her family face a long road to recovery following her treatment for a rare disease called aplastic anemia.
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Meet Josiah
Josiah has been through a lot in his young life and continues to face more challenges than most. But this happy little boy has no shortage of joy.
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Meet Bella
Originally from India, 13-month-old Bella was referred to St. Jude after pulling through surgery to remove her brain tumor. Today, thanks to St. Jude, she's thriving.
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Meet Cole
Cole is an active kid, who enjoys hiking with his dog, Stannis. Even a brain tumor can't diminish his love of life and its adventures.
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How patients spent their spring breaks
From a visit to the world's largest chess piece to the snowy mountains of Montana, these patients had exciting spring breaks to talk about!
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Meet Slater
Slater's best friend is his older brother, Sawyer. With Sawyer's support, along with that of his family, Slater's getting what he needs while undergoing treatment for neuroblastoma.
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Meet Emily
By the time 5-year-old Emily completes treatment for the second time, she will have undergone a total of 16 months of chemotherapy and 12 weeks of radiation therapy.
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Meet Cohen
Cohen and his family didn't expect to find themselves at St. Jude, nor did they expect to find overwhelming coverage for anything they might need.
