Toward the end of 2016, Katie developed headaches. Then, in early 2017, she developed stomachaches.
She was in and out of the doctor’s office, but no one could pinpoint the cause of her symptoms. Then, in June, a CT scan revealed Katie had a type of brain cancer called medulloblastoma. Her parents, Kimberly and Moises, were devastated.
Katie underwent surgery at a local hospital to remove the tumor. During her recovery, Kimberly went online to research the best places for Katie’s care.
Everything pointed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
St. Jude patient Katie with patient Jackson
Katie’s parents asked for a referral to St. Jude.
“We thought, ‘Let’s go to people who know children, who know brain cancer,’” said Moises. Katie’s treatment at St. Jude included proton therapy and chemotherapy.
Our whole experience at St. Jude was emotional, surreal and, frankly, beautiful. There’s no way to put into words how grateful we are for the support St. Jude gave us.
Katie is an affectionate and bubbly girl who wants to be a historian. Abraham Lincoln is her hero, and she loves learning about the Civil Rights movement. Katie visits St. Jude for regular checkups, and her latest scans were clear.
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