In the summer of 2020, photos posted to social media by Sariyah’s mom showed, at certain angles, a glow resembling a full moon in the child’s eye. She soon learned Sariyah had cancerous tumors in both eyes at the age of 18 months.
Her family was referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Sariyah’s parents have had to witness their baby undergoing intensive chemotherapy, eye injections, laser therapy and cryotherapy.
St. Jude patient Sariyah and her mother
The moment we walked in, I felt comfort.
I can’t help but feel peace.
— Sariyah's mother
Families, like Sariyah's, will never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
Sariyah continues to receive treatment at St. Jude, and her parents continue to have trust and faith in Sariyah’s care team.
Meet more patients
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Meet Aspen
Aspen was not yet two when diagnosed with neuroblastoma. She was treated in the Philippines but six months later, the cancer was spreading so she was referred to St. Jude.
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Meet Ava
Five-year-old Ava had a cancerous brain tumor called medulloblastoma. Referred to St. Jude, she underwent a second surgery, proton therapy and chemotherapy.
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Meet Avyan
Avyan carries himself with confidence and strength beyond his years. His manner has given fortitude to his family as they walk through an unimaginable reality.
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Meet Ay'Den
Ay'Den is a kind boy with an easy smile. When he collapsed, his family was afraid he had COVID-19. Ay'Den would be diagnosed with leukemia and referred to St. Jude.
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Meet Eduardo
At 6 months old, Eduardo was referred to St. Jude where he was diagnosed with liver cancer. His treatment included surgery to remove the mass and chemotherapy.
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Meet Eli
At just 6 years old, Eli was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. His family was referred to St. Jude for his treatment and Eli underwent surgery to remove the tumor and a portion of his tibia.
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Meet Eri'Elle
Eri’Elle was just two years old when her troubles started. Her mother took her to a pediatrician and insisted they run tests to get to the bottom of her baby’s symptoms.
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Meet Gabe
When the lights on the Christmas tree hurt Gabe’s eyes, his mom knew something was wrong.
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Meet Mikayla
Over Christmas 2020, something was wrong with then one-year-old Mikayla. Referred to St. Jude, her cancer was identified as acute myeloid leukemia. Mikayla successfully underwent chemotherapy.
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Meet Patient Lucas
Around Thanksgiving of 2020, three-year-old Lucas was complaining of headaches. His parents thought he just wanted attention. An MRI indicated something more serious.