In 2018, Quincy started experiencing stomach issues that got increasingly worse. His parents, Karla and Quinton, took him to the pediatrician. The doctor felt something was wrong, but couldn’t pinpoint it, so he ordered an ultrasound.
Later that afternoon, Quincy’s parents received devastating news: Quincy had a tumor on his kidney and needed to go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“At that moment, I just went numb,” Quincy's dad, Quinton, recalled. “I couldn’t move. I didn’t know what to think.”
But the moment Quincy’s family arrived at St. Jude, they felt hope.
Families, like Quincy's, will never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
“As soon as we walked in, the staff was ready for us,” Quincy’s mom, Karla said.
I couldn’t believe the level of service and care. I was no longer afraid of anything. Ever since the moment we walked through the doors, I’ve been hopeful.
Quincy with a hospital staff member in 2019
At St. Jude, tests showed Quincy had a type of kidney cancer called Wilms tumor. His treatment included surgery to remove the affected kidney, followed by chemotherapy.
Quincy often asked his care team questions about his treatment.
“His nurses made it a learning experience for Quincy. He took ownership of what was happening to him,” his mom said. “And that really helps you as a parent watching your child going through something like this.”
Quincy with his dad, Quinton
During his treatment, Quincy’s family found strength in their beliefs. “We’re from a Christian-based family,” Quinton said. “When faced with a situation like this, we pray.” But they also found strength in their son.
Quincy was so strong throughout everything, and that helped me strengthen myself.
Quincy at the St. Jude Walk/Run in 2019
Quincy finished treatment in August 2018 and visits St. Jude for regular checkups. He’s a smart, wildly imaginative boy who loves spending time with his family.
Meet more patients
-
Meet Ashtyn
When Ashtyn’s family learned she had a type of cancerous brain tumor called a medulloblastoma, they turned to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
-
Meet Abraham
After a CT scan revealed Abraham had a mass on his brain, identified as a cancerous brain tumor called a medulloblastoma, his family turned to St. Jude for help.
-
Meet Mia
Mia is a friendly, caring child who was referred to St. Jude from her home country of Nicaragua when she was 5 years old. She was diagnosed with anaplastic ependymoma, a malignant tumor in her brain.