St. Jude patient Romeo's father reflects on his son's brain tumor diagnosis and treatment

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The day my only son, Romeo, was born was a very wonderful day for us. I remember calling my mom and dad in Mexico to tell them the good news, that their grandson had been born. It was one of the happiest days of our lives. 

I had so much hope and was excited to see what life had to offer my little family. 

Like any parent, you want your child to be what you couldn't be when you were young. I really like soccer, and I took Romeo to the field to play soccer whenever I had the opportunity. He also liked to play near me while I mowed the lawn in the yard. He was always behind me.  

In the first months of 2024, when Romeo was 10 years old, he was diagnosed with ependymoma, a brain tumor that turned out to be cancerous. My world fell apart. This time I also called my mom and dad. It was hard to tell them. I couldn't stop crying. 

Romeo underwent two surgeries at a hospital two hours from our home in Missouri before being referred to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® in Memphis, Tennessee.

When I got to Memphis, I was scared. I asked my dad, who is very close to Romeo, to accompany us. I had to be strong for my son, but I also needed my dad to support me. It was the only way I could be strong for my son.  

All I knew about St. Jude was what I had seen on TV. After talking to the doctors and nurses, when we arrived at St. Jude, I felt peace and calm. Any questions I had, they would quickly answer and give us a lot of hope. They said cancer is just a word, and they would do everything they could for my son. You hear of cancer and you imagine many things. At St. Jude, they make our lives easier and take away the fears we have. I feel we are safe there. Even Romeo feels very comfortable there. 

Romeo finished treatment in June of 2024, and St. Jude doctors gave us a good prognosis. 

When we returned home, we really wanted to move on with our lives and live. In August, Romeo, his mom and I went on vacation to a beach in Florida, one of Romeo's favorite spots. He loves the ocean and enjoys swimming.  

Romeo went back to school, and he feels good, and he's a very cheerful kid. That's all I need to be happy. I enjoy every moment with my family.