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

St Jude patient Mateo with his parents

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 was referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and arrived in Memphis from eastern Tennessee. 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 with his mom

St. Jude patient Mateo with his parents

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.

St. Jude is a blessing, from the doctors to nurses, every single person there has helped us in some way.

- Nancy, Mateo's mom

St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food. “We feel like we are at home,” she said.

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