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We're thankful we can still see mom - even if it's only through a window
Taylor Johnson, a regional manager for ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude, reflects on how a nursing home worked to keep her family connected to her mother during the COVID-19 lockdown.
22
Cancelled sports: What I learned from months without basketball
Nick was 14 and competing with the nation’s best basketball players when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the summer of 2014. He credits the support of his family as well as the doctors, nurses and friends at St. Jude for helping him get back on the court, and for encouraging him to express himself through music.
20
Through gaming, my son Zac chooses joy over cancer.
St. Jude patient Zac has been fighting cancer for eight years. His mom Amy describes how his determination has never flagged, and how gaming and friendship have helped him – especially now.
16
Strength of a survivor, spirit of a hero
Tyler was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2013. Today the 8th grader is happy, healthy and active with his school’s track and soccer teams. His mom, Michelle, describes her 13-year-old, youngest child as being laid back, inquisitive, determined and, above all else, compassionate.
14
Finding hope in the waiting: One family's experience during trying times
St. Jude mom Catherine describes how her family coped when life was put on pause by her daughter's cancer treatment, and how she used their time of waiting to dream and plan for the future. It's great context for those of us in COVID-19 isolation.
7
No prom? No problem. We'll make our own memories.
We learned there are always reasons to be thankful. Sometimes you just have to search a little harder. In the middle of life’s valleys, that’s not a natural inclination. But in reality, it’s the valleys that help bring clarity to our lives. And we learned that people have an amazing capacity for kindness.
6
I want our front line medical workers to know they're heroes
Jessica had been a nurse for 15 years when her daughter, Zoe, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Today, the St. Jude mom is a director of compassionate care for a large health management organization. She shares how life has changed in the era of COVID-19 and why staying home is the best thing we can do for our front line medical workers.
31
Stay home and stay safe. That’s what worked for our family.
As the parent of a child with cancer, Kacie shares her reality of raising a daughter with a compromised immune system, and what the novel coronavirus has meant for her family.
6
How Running the Athens Marathon Showed Me the Global Heart of St. Jude
Lexie Johnston is a St. Jude Hero from Memphis who recently ran the Athens Marathon. She writes about how the experience helped her realize the truly global nature of St. Jude.
15
Songs That Help Me in Treatment and Life
Paishence, 16, underwent years of physical therapy after being diagnosed with bone cancer in 2012. Now she wants to be known for her DJ skills, and was selected as one of the first St. Jude patients to curate a playlist for Apple Music.
About this blog
Having a child diagnosed with cancer changes everything, from a family’s day-to-day life to a survivors’ world view. This blog reflects the unique viewpoints of current patients, their parents and other family members, childhood cancer survivors and the donors and event participants who support our mission to end childhood cancer.
