Meet Mateo

When Mateo was referred to St. Jude for treatment following his rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosis, his family found hope amid overwhelming challenges.

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St. Jude patient Mateo looks at the camera while standing beside a play area with his toy cars.

St. Jude patient Mateo

 
 
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St. Jude patient Mateo smiles in his mother's arms.

St Jude patient Mateo with his mom

 

Mateo's story

It was the summer of 2024, just a few weeks before Mateo was to celebrate his first birthday, when a mass was discovered in his pelvis, which was later diagnosed as rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of cancerous tumor that develops in soft tissue. 

 
 

Mateo's mom, Nancy, a nurse, recalled her baby’s constant cries because of the pain he felt.

It was heartbreaking, shocking and unexpected.  All we could do was break down crying because we couldn’t believe what was happening.

- Nancy, Mateo's mom

 
St. Jude patient Mateo walks through the hallways of St. Jude in his father’s arms.

St Jude patient Mateo with his parents

 
 
St. Jude patient Mateo with his parents, held in his father’s arms as they stand together.

St. Jude patient Mateo with his parents

 

Mateo was referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. 

The second we got to St. Jude, everyone greeted us at the front door, and from that moment, I knew he was going to be OK. I had a feeling of hope at that moment. They instantly started to control his pain, and they focused on Mateo.

- Nancy, Mateo's mom

 
 

Where is Mateo now?

Mateo completed radiotherapy treatment on December 12, 2024. He is growing and learning every day as he continues physical therapy at St. Jude. 

Mateo is energetic, friendly and affectionate. His mom said he loves his doctors, as well as his toy cars.

“He is doing amazing,” Nancy said. “St. Jude is a blessing, from the doctors to nurses, every single person there has helped us in some way."

 
St. Jude patient McClain wears a dress and hairbow and sits on a wooden bench.

St. Jude patient Mateo during therapy

 
 
St. Jude patient Mateo smiles with his parents by his side.

St. Jude patient Mateo with his mom

 

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