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 more patients
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Great Dad Jokes
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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
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Celebrating Best Friends Day
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Meet Bridget
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Kindergarten and beyond
Here's a look at three patients who have graduated from the The St. Jude School Program by Chili’s over the years, and where they are now.
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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.
