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
-
Meet David
David is an outgoing boy from Honduras. After he received a diagnosis of blood cancer, David was immediately referred to St. Jude.
-
Meet Dakota
It's hard to keep patient Dakota away from the kitchen, and thanks to the Nutriolicious cooking classes at St. Jude, he doesn't have to be away for long.
-
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.
-
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - St. Jude Patient Azalea
When Azalea's family learned she had rhabdomyosarcoma, they knew they wanted the best care for her. So they traveled from Jamaica to St. Jude to begin Azalea's treatment.
-
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - St. Jude patient Keeton
Five-year-old Keeton hasn’t let cancer slow him down. Find out what St. Jude means to Keeton's family.
-
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - St. Jude patient Joanna
In 2017, 9-year-old Joanna was found to have medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer, and began treatment at St. Jude.
-
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.
-
Meet Aamir
Shortly after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Aamir, who is 2, began treatment at St. Jude.
-
Meet Kensley
Kensley is a happy baby who's undergone 28 rounds of chemotherapy for anaplastic astrocytoma, and wears a smile wherever she goes.
-
Meet Ellee
Even though she felt so ill, St. Jude patient Ellee looked forward to one thing — receiving a daily dose of encouraging messages.
-
Meet Karique
As he undergoes treatment for retinoblastoma, Karique and his family have been on a difficult journey that's taken them from Antigua to St. Jude.
-
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.
-
Meet Maddalynn and Maziya
Sharing the same diagnosis of sickle cell disease as her little sister, Maddalynn, Maziya and her family were better able to help Maddalynn with her treatment.
-
Meet Max
When Max's parents became Partners In Hope, they never would have guessed that they would be supporting their own son, who's undergoing treatment for anaplastic ependymoma.
