When Lucas' family planned their trip to the United States from Chile, they never dreamed it would include a hospital stay for Lucas to begin cancer treatment. Just days before the start of their family vacation, Lucas began having stomach pains. Tests revealed cancer. Their first stop in the U.S. — St. Jude.

In September 2016, 4-year-old Lucas and his family were getting ready to travel to the United States from Chile for their family vacation. With their passports in hand, the family was just weeks away from traveling when Lucas began having pains in his stomach. Initially, doctors in Chile diagnosed Lucas with an infection and sent him home.

But a few days later, the pain returned, and this time doctors suspected a mass. Within days, scans revealed Lucas suffered from neuroblastoma, a type of brain tumor.   

Doctors immediately referred Lucas to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for his continuing treatment and care.

“All of the doctors in Chile agreed that St. Jude was the best place for Lucas,” said his dad, Carlos. “The work being done at St. Jude is years ahead of anything being done in Chile.”

At St. Jude, Lucas’ treatment includes chemotherapy and surgery to remove the tumor.

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