Meet Erma
Erma was referred to St. Jude, where she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Her family found hope amid overwhelming challenges.
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St. Jude patient Erma
St Jude patient Erma with her dad
Erma's story
In 2025, Erma, named after her great-grandmother, visited her pediatrician for a routine checkup. Unexpectedly, screening showed she had a mass above her adrenal gland. She was referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® shortly before her 4th birthday.
There, she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancer that most often begins in the nerve tissue of the adrenal gland. Scans showed it had spread to her bones. At first, it was hard to believe Erma was so ill.
She was very bouncy, very bubbly.
- Caleb, Erma's dad
St Jude patient Erma with her parents
St. Jude patient Erma
“Within about two weeks, her condition deteriorated very quickly. It was painful for her to walk. It was painful for her to move.” Erma’s treatment is expected to last about 15 to 18 months, but she has already rebounded to her usual energetic, joyful self. “She’s just full of life,” said her mom, Sarah.
We knew right away that she was in a place where she was going to get the best care possible, and that’s given us a lot of hope.
- Caleb, Erma's dad
How is Erma doing?
To help Erma through chemotherapy, her mom came up with the idea of “theme o’ chemo” parties. Every round of chemotherapy was kicked off with a themed celebration. “We decorated her room and made sure we had gifts to pass out to people,” said Caleb. “Round five was Galloping Through Chemo, and it was unicorns and horses. “She is just a firecracker," said Sarah.
She’s definitely experiencing life. It’s a little different than we expected, but it’s still really beautiful. And special.
- Sarah, Erma's mom
St. Jude patient Erma with her dad
St. Jude patient Erma with her parents
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