When Audrey was six months pregnant, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital tested her to determine whether her unborn daughter, Courtney, would be born with sickle cell disease. The disease had killed Audrey’s nephew, and the memories of the pain he suffered haunted her.
The tests on Courtney came back positive for sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become hard and sickle-shaped, instead of soft and round.
Children and adults with the disease may experience symptoms that range from severe pain to strokes, pneumonia, organ damage or death.
When Courtney was 2 months old, St. Jude doctors started her on drug treatment. She takes hydroxyurea, a medication that causes the body to produce healthy cells. Courtney, who visits St. Jude monthly, is thriving.
She loves to act, sing, design clothes and dance.
Help give hope to kids like Courtney who are fighting life-threatening illnesses. Become a Partner In Hope monthly donor today.
-
Meet Devon
Devon loves to play video games with his brothers, ride his bike and travel. But unlike most boys, Devon has cancer. Read his story.
-
Meet Ainsley
When a swollen lymph node turned out to be cancer, Ainsley's parents turned to St. Jude for help. Read her story.
-
Meet patient Austin
Austin's parents had been frequent supporters of St. Jude through their jobs. Little did they know that their own son would need treatment someday.
-
Meet Leonay
In 2015, Leonay developed a fever that wouldn’t go away. Her doctor in Jamaica ordered tests, which revealed she had cancer.
-
Meet Gunnar
Gunnar is an outgoing and expressive little boy who steals the hearts of everyone he meets.
-
Meet patient Gideon
Baby Gideon is always ready with a smile — even when faced with a tough diagnosis. Read on to see how your support makes a difference to him and his family.
-
Meet Luis and McKendree
McKendree and Luis found strength in their bond and joy in a shared love of music as they underwent treatment at St. Jude. Watch and share their video.
-
Meet Keegan
Keegan loves football. But after his last season, his leg started bothering him and he was taking lots of naps. His parents knew he needed a doctor.
-
Meet Tripp
When St. Jude patient Tripp needed not one, not two, but three bone marrow transplants, his family stepped in to help.
-
Meet Aamir
Shortly after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Aamir, who is 2, began treatment at St. Jude.
-
Meet Daniel and Jimy
Daniel and Jimy are inseparable friends. But in addition to being good friends, both boys find themselves at St. Jude, undergoing treatment for leukemia.
-
Meet Hailey
Hailey has been treated at St. Jude for a brain tumor since age 2. Last year, she graduated high school and went on the cruise of a lifetime to celebrate.
-
Meet Abigail
Abigail is a vibrant 5-year-old girl who likes to make new friends — whether it’s another St. Jude patient or one of the therapy dogs that visits St. Jude.
-
Meet Kyle
A month before completing treatment for a tumor, Kyle found a way to gave back to the hospital that he felt gave so much to him.
-
Meet Damien
For several months, Damien was unwell. But when he started to lose his balance and experience headaches, his parents worried that it was something more serious.
