In late 2014, Jordyn started to complain about aches and pains. Since she was a competitive gymnast, her doctor thought it was related to a sports injury. But then Jordyn developed a persistent fever and was often in tears because she felt so bad.
Jordyn was found to have acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). About 3,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with ALL in the U.S. each year, making this blood cancer the most common childhood cancer.
Jordyn, a competitive gymnast, is in fifth grade and is an A student who loves to read. She also loves to tell jokes and riddles.
Within a week, Jordyn was referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. St. Jude has helped increase the survival rates for ALL from 4 percent before opening in 1962 to 94 percent today. At St. Jude, Jordyn is undergoing two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy.
“We knew St. Jude was the best place for childhood cancer. We knew that when families go to St. Jude, they have no worries. They’re going to be taken care of.”
Jordyn's mom, Chastity
"St. Jude has given her hope she’ll return to gymnastics, and that’s helped her fight, it’s helped her stay positive," her mom said. "Jordyn is passionate about being athletic. She’s passionate about saying, 'Hey, this happened to me, but I’m going to bounce back.'"
Let's end childhood cancer. Together.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Help families, like Jordyn's, when you sign up and fundraise for the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer.
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Meet our patients
Meet the patients and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and be inspired by their stories of courage and hope.
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Meet Damien
For several months, Damien was unwell. But when he started to lose his balance and experience headaches, his parents worried that it was something more serious.
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Meet Aamir
Shortly after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Aamir, who is 2, began treatment at St. Jude.
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Meet Abigail and Gracie
At St. Jude, Abigail and Gracie are both undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
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Meet Daniel and Jimy
Daniel and Jimy are inseparable friends. But in addition to being good friends, both boys find themselves at St. Jude, undergoing treatment for leukemia.
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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 Gunnar
Gunnar is an outgoing and expressive little boy who steals the hearts of everyone he meets.
