Throughout 2017, St. Jude Heroes® from across the country rose to the challenge and fundraised for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by participating in Warrior Dash events. Among those participants was 12-year-old Elise, a brave girl who’s all too familiar with the cause she was supporting.
In April 2016, when Elise was found to suffer from a rare tumor called brain cell germinoma, doctors referred the family to St. Jude. During her stay at the hospital, Elise underwent a treatment protocol that included chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
The youngest of five, and the only girl, Elise is outgoing and friendly. She takes acting lessons and loves to dance, especially hip-hop.
Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since it opened more than 50 years ago, and we won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.
Thanks to St. Jude, Elise completed treatment in 2016 and is back home doing what she loves. She participates in competitive dance and acts in local theater. “She is making her dreams come true, thanks to St. Jude,” said her mom, Kristine.
The family now returns to St. Jude for regular checkups, all at no cost to Elise or her family. “We never have to worry about travel, where we’ll stay or food,” said Kristine. “We just focus on her health.”
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.
And when Elise took on a new set of obstacles during the 2017 Gulf Coast Warrior Dash, they were no match for her underlying strength and conviction.
Elise is a warrior. We are so proud of our little fighter and so very grateful for what St. Jude has given back to us — our daughter. This place is amazing.
Help our families focus on their sick child, not medical bills.
When you donate monthly, your gift means families, like Elise's, 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.
Meet more patients
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Meet D'Avalon
D’Avalon has been fighting sickle cell disease since he was a newborn. But thanks to treatment at St. Jude, he's able to look to the future with optimism.
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Meet Sofia
When Sofia’s family learned she had cancer, they were referred to St. Jude and made the long trip from Ecuador. But when they arrived, they felt right at home.
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Meet Eleanor
Eleanor is a determined baby who arrived at St. Jude on her first birthday. She was diagnosed with down syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia, a type of blood cancer.
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Meet Gabby
Gabby is a toddler from Jamaica with a bright personality. When tests showed that Gabby could have a cancerous tumor, her mom turned to St. Jude for help.
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Meet Dahiralis
Dahiralis is a very active little girl who loves to play, jump and run everywhere. At 3 years of age, she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancerous tumor, and was referred to St. Jude where doctors provided her much-needed treatment and care.
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Meet Tony
Tony wasn’t quite a year old when his family learned he had ALL, a type of blood cancer. At St. Jude, he began chemotherapy immediately.
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Meet Mabry
When Mabry was diagnosed with blood cancer, she was immediately sent to St. Jude. "Everyone here cares about your child," said her mom.
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Meet MiErickis
Shortly after MiErickis was born, routine testing revealed that he suffered from sickle cell disease.
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Meet Olivia
Olivia's parents have always been supporters of St. Jude, but it wasn't until Olivia was admitted that they truly understood what a special place St. Jude is.
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Meet Alberto
Three-year-old Alberto did not let cancer steal his joy. With support from St. Jude, Alberto's mom and dad were able to focus on their child's life.
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Sparrow's Story
Sparrow is a quiet, cautious baby who loves to cuddle. Her favorite person is her big brother, Jace.
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Meet Eduardo
At 6 months old, Eduardo was referred to St. Jude where he was diagnosed with liver cancer. His treatment included surgery to remove the mass and chemotherapy.
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Reason to celebrate
When patients receiving chemotherapy finish treatment, St. Jude celebrates with a No More Chemo party.
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Meet Ian
Ian loves Legos and is attached to his Mexican traditions. His mother, Quimverly, said "St. Jude makes us feel so safe." Read their story.
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Meet Twila
Twila was brought to her local hospital for an ear infection. When the pain didn’t resolve, doctors ran tests and found brain cancer. She was referred to St. Jude and placed on a treatment plan.