In 1995, Jason was in seventh grade. He played football, with an eye toward playing professionally one day. “I did well in class so I could be on the field,” he said. When tests revealed Jason had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer, his family turned to St. Jude.
Jason’s treatment plan included two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy, and he was one of the first to be treated for ALL without radiation therapy. Jason successfully beat his cancer and, in the process, found a new calling in life. During treatment, he had a lot of questions about what was happening to him, and he realized he had a talent for science. “I started to think I could help others who might be in this position, but from the other side if I decided to become a doctor,” he said.
Jason Schwartz, MD, PhD
After medical school and a residency in pediatrics, Jason returned to St. Jude in July 2014 as a clinical fellow. Staying active is a priority for Jason, and he enjoys competing in endurance events, including triathlons, marathons and cycling.
I love competing against the clock in endurance racing. It’s a fun lifestyle that helps maintain my health, especially as a cancer survivor.
For the past two years, Jason has been a part of the St. Jude Ride Committee and has helped to organize the St. Jude employee team. “St. Jude plus endurance endeavors is a fabulous combination,” he said. “The St. Jude Ride is a unique event that is helping an institution I’m passionate about.”
Be part of the St. Jude Ride on Oct. 20.
Meet more patients
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Meet Cohen
Cohen and his family didn't expect to find themselves at St. Jude, nor did they expect to find overwhelming coverage for anything they might need.
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Meet Bella
Originally from India, 13-month-old Bella was referred to St. Jude after pulling through surgery to remove her brain tumor. Today, thanks to St. Jude, she's thriving.
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Meet Zabdi
Zabdi is a gregarious teen who enjoys the outdoors, plays soccer, the guitar and trumpet and enjoys studying things. He is being treated at St. Jude for rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of soft tissue cancer.
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Meet David
David is an outgoing boy from Honduras. After he received a diagnosis of blood cancer, David was immediately referred to St. Jude.
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Meet Cole
Cole is an active kid, who enjoys hiking with his dog, Stannis. Even a brain tumor can't diminish his love of life and its adventures.
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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.
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Meet Rylee
Rylee is an outgoing girl. When she started to complain that her left leg hurt, an MRI revealed a mass on her femur. Rylee is receiving lifesaving treatment at St. Jude.
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Meet Charley
Charley led her college fundraising team for St. Jude just months before she became a patient there herself.
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Meet Slater
Slater's best friend is his older brother, Sawyer. With Sawyer's support, along with that of his family, Slater's getting what he needs while undergoing treatment for neuroblastoma.
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How patients spent their spring breaks
From a visit to the world's largest chess piece to the snowy mountains of Montana, these patients had exciting spring breaks to talk about!
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Meet Nikalis
Nikalis' story inspired an elementary school to celebrate Valentine's Day with a gift of love to all St. Jude patients.
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Meet Zahaan
Zahaan is a special boy from Singapore who shows a remarkable concern for others, even in the midst of battling medulloblastoma at St. Jude.
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Meet Emily
By the time 5-year-old Emily completes treatment for the second time, she will have undergone a total of 16 months of chemotherapy and 12 weeks of radiation therapy.
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Meet Iris
St. Jude patient Iris has always loved riding horses and wasn't going to let a brain tumor called craniopharyngioma stop her.
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Meet Griffin
Griffin likes to play baseball and basketball with his twin brother, Graham, and their older siblings. But things weren’t all fun and games when Griffin’s family found out he had a rare type of cancer. They quickly turned to St. Jude for help.
