Then & Now: Powerful stories of St. Jude cancer survivors

At St. Jude, our patients come from all walks of life and each has an inspiring story to tell. Because of you, more kids can continue to tell their stories and imagine their own future as a childhood cancer survivor. Discover some of our St. Jude survivor stories.

 

Background art by St. Jude patient Sarah

 
 

Jakayla and Javon shine on

 

Javon and Jakayla then:

St. Jude patients Javon and Jakayla

Javon and his sister, Jakayla, were each diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common childhood cancer, when they were 2 years old.

 

Javon and Jakayla now:

St. Jude patients Javon and Jakayla

Today, thanks to St. Jude and donors like you, Jakayla and Javon are cancer-free and enjoying life. Read their inspirational story and see Javon's video below.

 
 
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Sebastián hopes to one day be a soccer player

 

Sebastián then:

St. Jude patient Sebastián during his treatment.

It was a day in June 2014 when Sebastián's parents learned that their cheerful, active son had a rare cancerous brain tumor called medulloblastoma.

 

Sebastián now:

St. Jude patient Sebastián smiling, throwing a peace sign after his treatment.

Sebastián was able to finish his treatment at St. Jude and is in remission. He is very passionate about mathematics and percussion. In addition to his big dream of playing soccer professionally, he wants to become an engineer with the hope of "creating a tool that will cure cancer in children." Read about Sebastián.

 
 
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Tayde always wanted to be a mother

 

Tayde then:

St. Jude patient Tayde and her mother.

At age 7, Tayde was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Mexico, the most common type of cancer in children. Her family was devastated.

 

Tayde now:

St. Jude patient Tayde smiling, holding an early treatment picture of herself, after completing her cancer treatment.

Today, Tayde has beaten cancer three times and is living her greatest dream of being a mother of two wonderful girls. She also works on the patient team in the marketing department at ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude. Read about Tayde.

 
 
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Tori dreams of teaching

 

Tori then:

St. Jude patient Tori smiling in her hospital room.

At age 18, Tori was getting ready to go to college when a lump on her chin led to her getting diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

 

Tori now:

St. Jude patient Tori smiling at the end of her long treatment.

After almost three years of chemotherapy at St. Jude, Tori is thrilled to say that she is a cancer survivor and is studying to become a math teacher. Check out her video below.

 
 
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Yamila is a successful graduate

 

Yamila then:

St. Jude patient Yamila showing a serious face during her treatment.

Yamila was only six years old when she left her home in Puerto Rico for St. Jude to receive treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common blood cancer among Hispanic children. 

 

Yamila now:

St. Jude patient Yamila at her graduation after her treatment at St. Jude.

Now 15 years old, she has beaten cancer three times and celebrates five years of remission. She loves attending school and playing the piano. Read about Yamila.

 
 
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This season, give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not.

Donate Now

 
 

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