It’s often said that the bond between a horse and a rider is special. For years, 15-year-old Iris has fostered that powerful bond with her own horse, Pinto. And while this fruitful connection has given Iris some of the most enjoyable moments of her life, it’s served a deeper purpose — one that continues to serve as a symbol of hope and inspiration in Iris’ life.
In 2016, when doctors discovered Iris had an aggressive, non-cancerous brain tumor called a craniopharyngioma, they recommended frequent follow-ups.
But in April 2017, Iris' mom, Elena, decided it was time for a second opinion, and they turned to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. At St. Jude, Iris underwent surgery, during which a portion of the tumor was removed. She then received 30 sessions of proton therapy.
15-year-old Iris enjoys horse riding, and has a special bond with her horse, Pinto.
Later in 2017, Iris completed treatment and returned home to California. It was at that moment that Pinto took on an even more significant role in her life. “Pinto has been a wonderful coping mechanism for Iris,” Elena said. “Iris even created his own social media account.”
Iris now visits St. Jude every three months for checkups — all at no cost to Iris or her family. 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. “They’ve given us hope,” said Elena.
St. Jude is a sanctuary for children who need help.
Elena, St. Jude patient Iris' mom
Help our families focus on their sick child, not medical bills.
When you donate monthly, your gift means families, like Iris', 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
-
Meet June
June is a cheerful, busy girl who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at an early age. Today, she's able to continue treatment at a St. Jude affiliate clinic near her home.
-
Meet Emily
St. Jude patient Emily and Alabama Shakes make music to cleanse the soul.
-
Meet Austin
Austin was a teenager who loved sports. As an aspiring sportscaster, he announced the Broncos fifth overall pick during the 2018 NFL Draft.
-
Meet Kyle
When Kyle and his family participated in a St. Jude fundraiser aboard a cruise ship in 2014, they didn't know how big of a role St. Jude would play thereafter.
-
Meet Mayela
Mayela is an extrovert who loves to play and have fun. She recently finished treatment for acute myeloid leukemia.
-
One family, two journeys
Raeleigh's mom brought her baby sister into the world on the same day that Raeleigh was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
-
Meet Esmeralda
Esmeralda is a playful, loving girl who loves to play with dolls. When she was diagnosed with Wilms tumor, her family turned to St. Jude.
-
Meet Elise
Although cancer tried to slow her down, Elise fought her way back from a rare brain tumor and is still fighting dirty against cancer, one Warrior Dash at a time.
-
Meet Gustavo
Gustavo beat cancer once, but when it came back, his family made the long journey from Guatemala to St. Jude so he could be treated.
-
Meet Ainsley
When a swollen lymph node turned out to be cancer, Ainsley's parents turned to St. Jude for help. Read her story.
-
Meet Jesús
In June 2015, Jesús’ family learned he suffered from a type of soft tissue cancer. “I’m thankful that someplace like St. Jude exists,” says his mom.
-
Meet Jamill
Jamill loves to ride his bike and go to basketball games. St. Jude has a history with treating sickle cell disease and supporting patients like Jamill.
-
Meet Keegan
Keegan loves football. But after his last season, his leg started bothering him and he was taking lots of naps. His parents knew he needed a doctor.
-
Meet Matthew
Matthew seemed to have a cold he just couldn't shake. But when a chest X-ray showed a severely enlarged thymus, he was rushed to St. Jude by helicopter.