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 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.
St. Jude patient Kyle loves to draw whenever he gets the chance
He loves coming back to St. Jude. He loves to go around and visit with everyone who has become a part of our St. Jude family.
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.
Spread the word
Share this page with friends and family, and create a movement to fight childhood cancer.
Stay connected
Get the latest patient stories, hospital updates, research news and info on how you can support St. Jude when you sign up for email or mobile updates.
Meet more patients
-
Meet Lizbeth
Lizbeth was referred to St. Jude for treatment after being diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare disorder of the immune system.
-
Meet Madeline
Madeline was referred to St. Jude for treatment after being diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer.
-
Meet Kaleb
Kaleb was referred to St. Jude for treatment after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder that causes easy bruising and bleeding.
-
Meet Hazel
Hazel was referred to St. Jude for treatment after a CT scan showed she had a brain tumor. It was diagnosed as medulloblastoma.
-
Meet Micah
Micah was referred to St. Jude for treatment after a brain tumor was discovered during an emergency room visit prompted by persistent headaches and nausea.
-
Meet Rylee
When Rylee was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, she was referred to St. Jude for treatment. She received chemotherapy and had surgery to remove the tumor. Amidst these challenges, the family found hope at St. Jude.
-
Meet Alejandro
Ines and Alejandro think of their son Alejandro every day. Their active and curious boy would have been near adulthood by now. They honor his memory through their commitment to St. Jude. Read more here.
-
Meet Camila
Camila was diagnosed three days before her 3rd birthday with a solid cancerous tumor of the kidney. Read her story.
-
Meet Avery
Avery was diagnosed with sickle cell disease soon after birth and she received a bone marrow transplant at St. Jude in early 2023. Her donor was one of her older sisters.
-
Meet Misheel
Misheel was diagnosed with brain cancer and was referred to St. Jude, where she has received treatment, which included chemotherapy and radiation therapy. She has refused to let her illness keep her from spreading joy to others.
-
Meet Janelle
When Janelle was just over a year old, her family noticed that she began to regress in her development. Medical tests revealed that Janelle had cancer.
-
Meet Yazleemar
Yazleemar is an outgoing and expressive teenager. In 2012, Yazleemar was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare cancer. St. Jude offered more than treatment to her and her family.
-
Meet Gideon
After Gideon was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, he was referred to St. Jude for immediate treatment.
-
Meet Felicity
With a diagnosis of 5 tumors in her brain and spine, Felicity is facing a struggle, but you wouldn't know it by the constant smile on her face.
-
Meet Charlie
Diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in his shoulder, Charlie was referred to St. Jude then underwent chemotherapy and surgery to replace a cancerous bone with titanium.