From fear to hope

How can we forget the last days of October 2025, when we received the call telling us that our little baby Charlye had been accepted to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® in Memphis, Tennessee? We lifted our eyes to heaven in gratitude, thanking God for hearing our desperate pleas.

Our little Charlye, no more than 9 months old, had been diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma (cancer of both eyes). The doctors in Guatemala, where we live, told us that in our country the only solution was the removal of both of his eyes. 

It was devastating news and, as parents, we did not believe it was possible. We wanted to pursue every option. A retina specialist who trained at St. Jude told us about the research hospital. We received a referral. It was a glimmer of hope. 

With tears in my eyes, I packed suitcases and said goodbye to my husband and two daughters. We arrived at St. Jude on a Sunday in November. We were greeted very kindly from the start and from the airport we were transferred to the hospital. I was worried because I had nowhere to stay, but they guided me. They gave us a place to stay while Charlye received treatment. They told me families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food. 

Charlye soon underwent all the necessary tests. Doctors said the tumors were large. They could try to save his right eye, but the enucleation of the left eye was inevitable.

Hearing those words, I felt my heart race. They told me, “Your son can live with only one eye. This is not the first or last case we have seen here at the hospital; there is support available, and we will be there to help you through this.”

On the day of the operation, St. Jude nurses and staff offered me words of support and encouragement. It is something I will never forget — the attention they gave me at such a difficult time. 

At St. Jude, Charlye also received chemotherapy in addition to laser and cryotherapy, two methods intended to destroy tumor cells in his right eye. 

My baby continues to receive the necessary treatments and every day I thank God he is improving. Now I see him smile and it's something unforgettable. Like other children his age, he loves the outdoors, car rides, the playground and kicking a soccer ball.

Thank you St. Jude! Thank you because without knowing us you treated us like family, like one of your own. Thank you for so much affection, love, respect and for all the responsibility you have taken in treating my son. 

Angels do exist, and this inspires me to keep fighting day after day. 

To St. Jude and its donors, I say thank you for saving lives.