Meet Valentina
Valentina was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at St. Jude. Despite overwhelming challenges, her family found hope.
St. Jude patient Valentina with her parents
St Jude patient Valetina with her grandparents
Valentina's story
Valentina’s grandparents, aunts, uncle and one of her mom’s best friends traveled hundreds of miles to her No More Chemo Party at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. There was plenty of cheer and a shower of confetti after her care team sang to Valentina, who was a week away from also celebrating her second birthday.
Valentina was just 18 months old when she was referred to St. Jude, where she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a cancer of blood and bone marrow. At St. Jude, she received chemotherapy. She finished treatment in July of 2026.
It’s been a blessing honestly,” she said. “It’s a horrible situation having to find out your child is diagnosed with cancer, but I couldn’t have asked to be in a better place.
- Sally, Valetina's mom
St Jude patient Valetina with her mom
St. Jude patient Valentina with her parents
Sally, Valentina’s mom, recalled having donated to St. Jude in the past, but it wasn't until she got to the research hospital that she understood the full range of support St. Jude provides patients and families. When she arrived from Oklahoma, she was told that she could stay at Target House, a free, long-term residential facility for families of children receiving treatment at St. Jude.
How is Valentina doing?
Sally said Valentina handled treatment like a champ. She loves the outdoors, swimming, and playing with her toys. She also likes princesses and listening to songs and stories from her digital audio player.
St. Jude patient Valentina with her mother and grandmother
St. Jude patient Valentina with her family
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