Meet Laylah
Laylah was referred to St. Jude, where she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Her family found hope amid overwhelming challanges.
St. Jude patient Laylah
St Jude patient Laylah
Laylah's story
Laylah, the youngest of four, was born 11 years after her closest sibling. Her dad, LaDon, calls her his “bonus baby.” “Everyone loves Laylah, and once you meet Laylah you never forget her," her dad said.
Laylah, a diligent and active student, was always on the move — whether swinging, skipping around her house, biking or walking her dog, Deuce, in her West Tennessee neighborhood.
Shortly after celebrating her 10th birthday in spring of 2024, she began to limp. Her parents took her to the doctor, and scans revealed a bone lesion in her right leg. "It came out of nowhere," her dad said.
Laylah was referred to St. Jude for further evaluation. Within days, she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, the most common type of bone cancer in children and teens. Laylah’s treatment included chemotherapy and limb-sparing surgery.
St Jude patient Laylah
St. Jude patient Laylah with her family
LaDonn said he knew of the lifesaving work St. Jude does through television ads, but experiencing the hospital’s work firsthand gave him more understanding.
It’s life-changing, lifesaving work. It’s unbelievable!
- LaDon, Laylah's dad
Where is Laylah now?
Laylah is smiling, giggling and showing more of her true self since completing treatment for bone cancer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® in Memphis, Tennessee. Her dad, is overjoyed to see his shy and sweet daughter slowly returning to her energetic self. She recently hosted a slumber party with her best friend.
“She’s tough, and she did everything her doctors said, and now that she is back home, things are coming back to normal,” her dad said.
St. Jude patient Laylah
St. Jude patient Laylah with her family
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