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 Alana
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Meet Abraham
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Meet Luis
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Meet Brinley
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How St. Jude patients spent their time during quarantine
While difficult at times, quarantining during COVID-19 has allowed St. Jude patients and their families, while respecting social distance, to let their creativity flourish in ways that has brought them closer together. See how some of our patients spent their time during quarantine.
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Our Patient Stories
Be inspired by stories about our patients on their journeys from diagnosis to treatment of childhood cancer and other pediatric diseases treated at St. Jude.
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Meet Carson
When Carson's cancer came back, his family turned to St. Jude once again for treatment for an aggressive form of blood cancer.
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Meet Ashtyn
When Ashtyn’s family learned she had a type of cancerous brain tumor called a medulloblastoma, they turned to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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Meet Maelin-Kate
Maelin-Kate was diagnosed with a rare blood disease at age 5, but her mom says, "Every day, she finds a reason why it's the best day ever."
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Meet Miguel
Miguel is a happy boy who loves to laugh.
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Meet Pepe
Pepe and his family have known cancer more intimately than most families. Watch their journey in this 4-part series, and how they found hope through it all.
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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 Riku
While treatment for medulloblastoma is a difficult journey for 4-year-old Riku, his parents, Noriko and Jun, are there to give him strength and support along the way.
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Meet Jordyn
A competitive gymnast, Jordyn's aches and pains were thought to be a sports injury. Then, she was found to have blood cancer.
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Meet Hadley
Hadley and her family weren't expecting to experience hope when she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, but that's what they found at St. Jude.