Meet Emmanuel
After being diagnosed with medulloblastoma, Emmanuel was referred to St. Jude, where his family found hope in the face of overwhelming challenges.
St. Jude patient Emmanuel with his dad
St Jude patient Emmanuel with his dad
Emmanuel's story
Emmanuel was almost 2 years old when he started to have trouble walking. He had been sick with a virus and a doctor's visit found fluid in his ear. But a few weeks later, he began vomiting and experiencing tremors.
At a local emergency room near his home in California, Emmanuel was diagnosed with a brain mass in April of 2025.
He underwent surgery to remove the tumor, which was later identified as medulloblastoma, one of the most common malignant brain tumors in children and teens. Emmanuel was referred to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Emmanuel's mom, Kissy, was a monthly donor to St. Jude.
Every person I can talk to, I tell them my son is at St. Jude and then I tell them he's doing well, and then I tell them what St. Jude does. They really have allowed me to focus on my baby.
- Kissy, Emmanuel's mom
St Jude patient Emmanuel
St. Jude patient Emmanuel
Emmanuel's treatment has included multiple rounds of chemotherapy.
St. Jude gives us hope. My mom told me that what Emmanuel is going through is healing. And that's how I feel here — I'm not stressed; I'm just focused on him healing.
- Kissy, Emmanuel's mom
How is Emmanuel doing?
Emmanuel is happy and playful. He has a close relationship with his older brother, who is in college, and his 6-year-old aunt. He remains in treatment.
St. Jude patient Emmanuel
St. Jude patient Emmanuel with his family
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