For several months on and off, Damien was unwell, often sick to his stomach. But when he started to lose his balance and experience headaches, Damien’s parents began to worry it was something far more serious.
"He’s outgoing and inquisitive,” said Damien's dad.
In September 2014, tests confirmed their fears: Damien had a brain tumor identified as a medulloblastoma. His family turned to St. Jude, where Damien’s treatment included surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Damien with his doctor, Amar Gajjar, MD, Director of the St. Jude Neuro-Oncology Division.
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. Damien is now finished with treatment and visits St. Jude for regular checkups.
Damien likes basketball and video games. “He’s outgoing and inquisitive,” said his dad.
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Meet more patients
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Meet Sebastian
Nothing prepared Sebastian's family for the day they learned he suffered from a rare brain tumor. “We’re grateful there is a place like St. Jude,” said his mom.
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Meet Rylee
Rylee is an outgoing girl. When she started to complain that her left leg hurt, an MRI revealed a mass on Rylee’s femur, so her family turned to St. Jude.
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Meet Brantley
Brantley is a playful little boy who is being treated at St. Jude for a type brain tumor called an anaplastic astrocytoma.
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Meet Da'Maya
Da'Maya's initial symptoms seemed minor. But after her mom, Sywanda, noticed she seemed sleepy in church, she became worried. A biopsy revealed cancer.
