Meet Mayela

"When we heard the word 'cancer,' we felt sad and weak," said Angel, Mayela's dad. "Our hearts broke for the pain and suffering our daughter would have to face."

Mayela began treatment in Puerto Rico for acute myeloid leukemia, a type of blood cancer, but was soon referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Her family was familiar with St. Jude – they’d seen commercials for the hospital.

St. Jude patient Mayela poses with her puppet — St. Jude patient **Mayela** poses with her puppet during filming for her TV spot

At St. Jude, Mayela underwent a bone marrow transplant in August 2018, with her dad serving as her donor. Her parents are thankful for the treatment and care she received.

When we walked through the doors of St. Jude, we felt we could breathe again. We trust it was God who brought us to the right place. We never imagined how beautiful it would be.

Angel, Mayela's dad

Mayela is an extrovert who enjoys learning her syllables, doing makeup on her dolls and playing with her mom.

“The attention, the dedication and the love the staff show to the parents and the patients is incredible,” said Angel. “We love the way doctors sit with us to explain every step of the process and how quick they are to respond to our needs. We love the happiness and how comfortable the staff make the families and patients feel. We love that St. Jude keeps looking for the cure for cancer.”

St. Jude patient Mayela during her filming with St. Jude supporter Luis Fonsi

St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. We won't stop until no child dies from cancer.

Mayela has finished treatment and now visits St. Jude every six weeks. She’s in second grade and loves to play with dolls and do crafts. “She’s an extrovert, always talking,” said Karen, Mayela's mom. “She loves to make videos and have fun.”