A high school graduation is a major milestone. In lives touched by childhood cancer, this milestone may be more meaningful still.
Hailey was found to have a rare, cancerous brain tumor called ependymoma when she was only 2 years old. Since that time, the cancer has recurred on three occasions — when Hailey was 11 years old, again at 15, and again at 17. Each time, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has been at the ready, treating Hailey without ever sending her family a bill. 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.
“I’ve grown up going to St. Jude," said Hailey. “It’s like home for me, honestly. I’ve been going to St. Jude for 17 years, so it’s helped my family a lot to not have to pay out of pocket for my medical bills. St. Jude has helped us so much! We appreciate everything they have done for us!”

Hailey celebrates a major milestone in her life — her high school graduation.
When Hailey graduated from high school last year, it was an occasion for celebration. “Our family knew we wanted to do something together as a family before I went off on my own,” said Hailey. “My brother and I had never been on a cruise, so we thought that would be a great way to spend time together.” While aboard the cruise ship, the family travelled to Belize, Cozumel, Costa Rica and Honduras. Honduras was Hailey’s favorite.
Hailey recently finished her freshman year at college, where she made the Chancellor’s and Dean’s lists with a 4.0 GPA and is studying psychology. “I’m so excited about the future,” she said. “I love my major, so I know I’m definitely going in the right direction, and I’m excited to see what God has in store.”
Help give hope to kids who are fighting life-threatening illnesses.
Meet more patients
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Meet Patient Mikayla
Over Christmas 2020, something was wrong with then one-year-old Mikayla. Referred to St. Jude, her cancer was identified as acute myeloid leukemia. Mikayla successfully underwent chemotherapy.
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Meet Weiming
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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.
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Meet Avyan
Avyan carries himself with confidence and strength beyond his years. His manner has given fortitude to his family as they walk through an unimaginable reality.
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Meet Jose
After he was born, José stopped eating and lost much weight. A local doctor confirmed he had brain cancer. Surgery was performed to remove a brain mass and he was referred to St. Jude.
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Meet Carl
At 3 years old, Carl had leg pain and his belly began to swell. He had a cancerous tumor above a kidney. He was referred to St. Jude where he received treatment.
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Meet Ay'Den
Ay'Den is a kind boy with an easy smile. When he collapsed, his family was afraid he had COVID-19. Ay'Den would be diagnosed with leukemia and referred to St. Jude.
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Meet Myla
Myla’s mom found that her little girl wasn’t feeling well. Rushed to St. Jude, four-year-old Myla was diagnosed with a blood cancer called acute megakaryoblastic leukemia.
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Meet Brayden
Brayden received chemotherapy as well as proton therapy for medulloblastoma at the first proton therapy center in the world dedicated solely to children.
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Meet Eli
At just 6 years old, Eli was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. His family was referred to St. Jude for his treatment and Eli underwent surgery to remove the tumor and a portion of his tibia.
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Meet Max
Max traveled from China, with the Illinois couple who adopted him, to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital where he and his family received lifesaving treatment and comforting support in equal measure.
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Meet Nova
Though Nova's eye cancer is aggressive and she is being treated for a second time, her parents know the doctors at St. Jude will stop at nothing to help their baby girl live.
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Meet Aspen
Aspen was not yet two when diagnosed with neuroblastoma. She was treated in the Philippines but six months later, the cancer was spreading so she was referred to St. Jude.
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Meet Keegan
Before age 2, Keegan was diagnosed with leukemia and her family was referred to St. Jude where doctors immediately got to work trying to save her life.
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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.