Waves of support

When Kyle’s family took a cruise on the Carnival Cruise Line ship Carnival Elation in early 2014, they had a ball taking part in the ship’s activities. During the trip, Kyle experienced headaches, but that didn’t slow him down.

He even participated in the ship’s onboard Groove for St. Jude dance activity fundraiser, in honor of a young cancer patient from his hometown who was receiving treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Kyle’s parents, Kevin and Chasity, had no reason to suspect St. Jude would soon take on a larger role in their own lives. 

Two weeks after the cruise, Kyle was still experiencing headaches, so Chasity took him to the doctor. Tests soon revealed Kyle had a malignant brain tumor called a mixed germ cell tumor. He underwent brain surgery at a St. Jude affiliate clinic near his home, after which Kyle was sent to St. Jude for his continuing care.

St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.

At St. Jude, Kyle’s treatment included surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Now finished with treatment, Kyle visits St. Jude every six months for checkups.

Since he began treatment, Kyle and his family have gone on several more Carnival cruises. As the official Celebration Partner of St. Jude, Carnival Cruise Line supports numerous celebrations at the hospital including birthdays, the St. Jude Teen Formal and a Day of Play that is themed for patients to enjoy events that typically take place on Carnival’s ships.

Kyle’s family cherishes the memories they’re able to continue making, thanks to the treatment and care Kyle received and the support from partners like Carnival Cruise Line.

“St. Jude means hope and love to us,” said Chasity. “They saved our son’s life and we’re forever grateful.” Kyle is an artistic fifth-grader who is on his school’s honor roll. He loves to paint and recently started taking art lessons.