Meet Juan
When Juan was referred to St. Jude for treatment following his hepatoblastoma diagnosis, his family found hope amid overwhelming challenges.
St. Jude patient Juan
St Jude patient Juan with his parents
Juan's story
Juan Esteban, or “Juanes” as his parents like to call him, was 3 years old when his parents found a hard lump in his belly. Tests revealed tumors in his liver and lungs. A biopsy confirmed hepatoblastoma, a liver cancer most common in children under 3.
Juan was referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He and his parents traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, from Guatemala within days. They arrived at St. Jude in November 2024.
It doesn't feel real. It's a little hard to believe it's really happening!
- Ana, Juan's mom
St Jude patient Juan
St. Jude patient Juan with his dad
At St. Jude, Juan was treated with chemotherapy and underwent surgeries to remove nodules from his lungs. He also received a liver transplant at a nearby hospital.
Here, people really enjoy their work and do it with a lot of love, which makes you feel like family. Juanes loves being here at St. Jude. He feels at home.
- Ana, Juan's mom
St. Jude patient Juan with his mom
St. Jude patient Juan
Where is Juan now?
He has now finished treatment and had a chance to go back home to Guatemala but continues to follow up with his care team in Memphis.
Juan is happy, energetic, affectionate and noble, his mom said. He loves his cars and superheroes.
“He has shown us what a superhero is,” his mother said.
St. Jude patient Juan with his parents
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