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 Ari'yanna
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Our Patient Stories
Be inspired by stories about our patients on their journey from diagnosis to treatment of childhood cancer and other diseases treated at St. Jude.
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Meet Kenlie
Over the last eight years, St. Jude patient Kenlie underwent treatment for synovial sarcoma, and remained anything but discouraged.
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Meet Ty
After a CT scan revealed a mass the size of a small peach in Ty’s brain, his family made the journey from a California farm to St. Jude for further treatment.
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Meet Kensley
Kensley is a happy baby who's undergone 28 rounds of chemotherapy for anaplastic astrocytoma, and wears a smile wherever she goes.
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Meet Stanyiah
Stanyiah’s family was devastated when they learned she suffered from sickle cell disease.
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Meet Isaac
St. Jude patient Isaac loves his older siblings, Matthew and Alyssa. When he was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer, Alyssa was there to save the day.
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Meet Lilly
Even after a diagnosis of medulloblastoma at the age of 8, patient Lilly continues to live out her love of music and dance, one day at a time.
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Meet Monroe
Before he was found to have cancer, Monroe and his girlfriend were supporting St. Jude through Team Up for St. Jude.
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Meet Maya
In 2012, two strangers began their separate journeys to a place they'd eventually come to share and a bond they would always treasure.
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Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - Meet Tony
Tony wasn’t quite a year old when his family learned he suffered from ALL, a type of blood cancer. At St. Jude, he began chemotherapy immediately.
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How patients spent the summer
From the woods to the ocean, St. Jude patients and their families took plenty of exciting trips this summer! Read about their adventures.
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Meet Ashley
When tests revealed Ashley suffered from blood cancer, her parents were devastated. “Your whole world comes crashing down on you,” said Ashley’s dad.
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Meet Hannah
After receiving a devastating diagnosis, Hannah's family turned to St. Jude, where they would be free to focus on her treatment.
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Meet Cameron
Cameron is an exceptionally caring boy who has charisma and a resilience that's helping him push through while he's treated for medulloblastoma at St. Jude.
