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 Tina
Tina was referred to St. Jude after she was found to have a brain tumor. St. Jude has given her family hope.
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Meet Charlotte
Charlotte and her family face a long road to recovery following her treatment for a rare disease called aplastic anemia.
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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 Harmony
Harmony is artistic, detailed-oriented and loves to debate. When she noticed something was wrong on her walks to class, no one expected the cause to be a stage four Wilms tumor.
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Meet Azalea
When Azalea was found to have rhabdomyosarcoma, her parents, Simone and Ricardo, traveled from Jamaica to St. Jude so Azalea would receive the best care.
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Meet Kenlie & Jaycee
Kenlie and Jaycee had a lot in common-they attended the same school and loved to make up dance routines and joke around. And they both fought cancer at St. Jude.
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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.
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Meet Kaylee
Kaylee has a big, beautiful smile, and loves to dance with her parents and sister. When tests revealed she suffered from a brain tumor, her family was devastated.
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Meet Phoenix
Christmas Day plans for Phoenix’s family didn’t include a life-altering trip to the hospital. But at St. Jude, this close-knit family has been given hope.
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Meet Sebastian
Nothing prepared Sebastian's family for the day they learned he suffered from a rare brain tumor. “We’re grateful there is a place like St. Jude,” said his mom.
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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.
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Sparrow's Story
Sparrow is a quiet, cautious baby who loves to cuddle. Her favorite person is her big brother, Jace.
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Meet Maryelle
Maryelle was diagnosed with a rare disorder that left her family with little hope.
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Meet Abraham
After a CT scan revealed Abraham had a mass on his brain, identified as a cancerous brain tumor called a medulloblastoma, his family turned to St. Jude for help.
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Meet Leah
Leah is a big sister who loves dresses, shopping, singing and helping in the kitchen. In March 2019, she was referred to St. Jude for acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment, which included a transplant with her mother as her donor.