For weeks, 7-year-old Carson ran a low-grade fever off and on and he was always tired. He no longer wanted to run around and play. When blood work revealed Carson had acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer, his parents, Kori and William, were devastated. “Up until then, he’d been so healthy,” Kori said.
St. Jude patient Carson
Carson’s family turned to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “The first time we walked in the doors of St. Jude, it was the most incredible feeling,” Kori said.
At St. Jude, Carson underwent chemotherapy. With his cancer in remission, he was able to undergo a bone marrow transplant at a hospital near his home.
St. Jude is a place full of hope. We see success stories every day. Miracles happen every day here.
Unfortunately, Carson’s cancer did not stay in remission long. His family turned to St. Jude for his continuing treatment, which included chemotherapy and a second transplant.
“Carson has handled things like a champ,” William said. “We’re in amazement of just how much he pushes through.”
St. Jude patient Carson and his mom, Kori
Families 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.
Recently, Carson’s cancer came back and he underwent a third transplant. It’s been a difficult road, and he misses his dog and extended family back home, but Carson has stayed positive.
St. Jude patient Carson and his mom, Kori
Carson is outgoing and talkative. He’s wild about Minecraft and loves to play video games with his best friend, Zac, who is also a patient. Playing video games is a way for the boys to relax and forget about cancer for a little while.
St. Jude patient Carson
“I'll never give up."
Meet more patients
-
Thank you for your support of St. Jude in 2022
The kids and families of St. Jude are grateful for your support.
-
Meet Yamila
After receiving treatment at St. Jude to cure her Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Yamila prepares for her next adventure: starting college life far from her home in Puerto Rico.
-
Meet Yazleemar
Yazleemar is an outgoing and expressive teenager. In 2012, Yazleemar was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare cancer. St. Jude offered more than treatment to her and her family.
-
Meet Bailey
St. Jude patient Bailey surprises St. Jude Childhood Cancer Awareness Month ambassador and actress Lucy Hale.
-
Meet Amris
In July of 2012, doctors found a kiwi-sized tumor on patient Amris’ brain. She was diagnosed with ATRT. With a referral, Amris arrived at St. Jude.
-
Meet Charlie
Diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in his shoulder, Charlie was referred to St. Jude then underwent chemotherapy and surgery to replace a cancerous bone with titanium.
-
Meet Gideon
After Gideon was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, he was referred to St. Jude for immediate treatment.
-
Meet Felicity
With a diagnosis of 5 tumors in her brain and spine, Felicity is facing a struggle, but you wouldn't know it by the constant smile on her face.
-
Meet Ava
Five-year-old Ava had a cancerous brain tumor called medulloblastoma. Referred to St. Jude, she underwent a second surgery, proton therapy and chemotherapy.
-
Meet Ava
At 6 years old, Ava had a lump on her neck and tests showed she had more lumps in her belly. Tests revealed that she had a cancerous tumor and was referred to St. Jude.
-
Meet Imani
Imani was diagnosed with cancer at 5 weeks old. Her family feared the worst. But at St. Jude, there was hope for her future.
-
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.
-
Meet patient Natalie
Natalie seemed like a healthy toddler. But one day, she stopped using her left arm. She had Stage IV neuroblastoma and was referred to St. Jude for treatment.
-
Meet Adalyn
Adalyn had stomachaches that came and went with episodes of severe pain. At the ER, doctors found a large mass above her kidney, stage-4 high-risk neuroblastoma.
-
Meet Eliza
Eliza’s pediatrician referred her to an ophthalmologist after testing her eyes. In turn, she was referred to St. Jude as a tumor was visible in her right eye.