A voice in service of hope

I had heard of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® thanks to a few organizations in my home country of the Dominican Republic. Those organizations received support through St. Jude Global — an initiative to expand our global reach and improve survival rates of children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases around the world.  

After moving to the United States, a friend in Seattle told me she was participating in a fundraising walk, and they were looking for a host. She knew about my work as a voice artist and producer of the real-life storytelling podcast “Gente, Historias y Emociones.” That’s how I was introduced to the organizing committee of the St. Jude Walk event. With great enthusiasm, I joined as an emcee to energize the crowd from the stage and support the cause. 

I was deeply moved to learn that every step taken by participants helps families of children facing cancer. Hearing survivors and their loved ones share their stories — and how St. Jude helped ease their treatment journey — was truly inspiring.

What touched me even more was seeing so many people walking joyfully — children and entire families, including mine — taking steps for something greater. 

As a mother, my biggest motivation to stay involved with the St. Jude mission is the children. It strikes a deep chord in me to know that families are facing such difficult moments when a child becomes seriously ill. You’d do anything to take away their pain. That’s why, if I can help lighten that burden — whether by lending my voice at an event or serving as a mission ambassador on social media — I’ll be there, informing and encouraging my community to join in.

One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had was visiting the St. Jude campus for a seminar in 2024 — getting to know the facilities, the staff, the history, and solidifying my commitment to a community so deeply attuned to the pain of others. It was unforgettable in every way. 

And during that trip, my Instagram community made a difference too! Together, we raised enough funds to help cover several days of meals for a family.

To me, St. Jude represents compassion, research and love during one of the hardest moments in a family’s life. 

I hope to continue supporting St. Jude for many years to come — and most of all, to keep spreading the word about the incredible work they do. That way, not only in the United States but around the world, more children with cancer can have hope for life — and their families can feel supported every step of the way.