Every time that Daniel and Jimy were in each other’s company, they were inseparable friends. Like many other boys, they played with Legos and video games. In addition to being good friends, both boys found themselves at St. Jude, where they underwent treatment for leukemia.
In November of 2015, Jimy and his mom traveled from their native home in Guatemala to begin treatment at St. Jude. About 20 days later, Daniel’s family arrived from Peru. At St. Jude, both boys underwent chemotherapy as part of their treatment plan for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Daniel, who is 7, wants to be a neurosurgeon when he grows up.
Jimy, age 8, is a cheerful, active boy who wants to be a pilot when he grows up.
One day, while the families were seated in a waiting room, Daniel overheard a boy close to him speaking in Spanish. That boy was Jimy, who was also relatively new to the hospital. Daniel approached Jimy and that moment marked the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
"Every time that there is an activity, Daniel and Jimy immediately approach each other and start playing."
Jimy's mom
In addition to their friendship, Jimy and Daniel shared a unique experience — getting to learn English. When one of them didn't understand something, together they tried to translate and learn new words. “Daniel already knew a little bit of English before coming to St. Jude, so when Jimy doesn’t understand something, he translates for him when possible,” said Jimy’s mother at the time.
For both families, St. Jude had been a blessing. 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.
"When we found out we wouldn’t have to pay for any of Daniel’s care, it was like being in a dream. It was a tremendous relief because it gave us the opportunity to spend more time with Daniel and not have to worry about anything else."
Daniel's mom
Thanks to the ongoing generosity of our donors, their families continued to have hope. “Right now, we are focused on the future and what will come after treatment because we know that Daniel is in great hands,” said Daniel’s mother at the time. “St. Jude has allowed us to do that.”
Editor’s Note: We regret to inform you that patient Jimy passed away in May 2017.
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