When St. Jude saves a child’s life, it makes a lifetime possible. These are the stories of former patients who have forged bold and meaningful lives and careers — adults who took full advantage of the second chances they received as children.
STORIES
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Moms know best
Moms Know Best: Kennedi's mom, Chauntay
Tech-loving Kennedi will major in computer science.
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Moms know best
Moms Know Best: Ben’s mom, Teresa
St. Jude taught Ben’s mom, Teresa, to stay grounded in the “right now” during childhood cancer.
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Storied Lives
St. Jude helped Tori survive leukemia
Now, she works at the research hospital as a child life specialist to support kids undergoing treatment.
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Women Who Inspire
From St. Jude cancer survivor to Air Force medic: Kylie Mahar’s inspiring journey
A childhood battle with leukemia at St. Jude and a grandmother's legacy shaped Kylie’s path to serve.
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Storied Lives
From Survivor to Hero
St. Jude saved his life, now Archie Collins saves others as a firefighter.
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Women Who Inspire
Women Who Inspire: Anna Smith Foy
The nurses at St. Jude set an example Anna knew she had to follow.
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Storied Lives
St. Jude gave me a second chance at life
After treatment for leukemia, Miranda is living her dream dancing in New York.
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Storied Lives
St. Jude bone cancer survivor Adam Hopper inspires young lives through music
Despite cancer, this drummer, composer and teacher found his rhythm and now helps his students discover theirs.
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Women Who Inspire
Women who Inspire: Darshana Magan
This childhood cancer survivor seeks to ‘live every moment.’
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Women Who Inspire
Women Who Inspire: Adovia Alston
As a child therapist and social worker, St. Jude cancer survivor uses her experience to help kids through their toughest times.
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Storied Lives
St. Jude patient Sabrina found solace — and power — in poetry
At 9, she began writing poetry while in treatment for cancer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Now 25, she inspires strength and resiliency with her words.
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Storied Lives
St. Jude patient Emily says ‘yes’ — to every moment in life
Diagnosed with cancer at 16, Emily hadn’t dared hope she would graduate from high school or college, let alone fall in love and get engaged.
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Storied Lives
Music helped St. Jude patient Emily weather cancer storm
All through treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, her big sibling Callie was beside her, comforting her with song.
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Storied Lives
Venezuelan chef Jesús Díaz shares a foolproof recipe for St. Jude families and others to celebrate Las Posadas in the United States
A holiday dish that combines tradition and practicality, offering an explosion of flavor and color for Christmas celebrations.
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Storied Lives
St. Jude patient Maria Fernanda’s journey of strength and gratitude
Our daughter's fight against retinoblastoma led us to St. Jude, where compassion and expert care gave us hope and a future filled with gratitude.
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Storied Lives
When my son Lucas was diagnosed with cancer it was like a total blackout, but St. Jude was our light
A mother's heartfelt story of her son Lucas's battle with cancer and the unwavering support from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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Possibilities
Remembering St. Jude patient Juan, with love
On Día de los Muertos, a mother creates a heartfelt altar with her son’s favorite things, keeping his memory alive.
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Storied Lives
Seeds of goodness planted today could flourish tomorrow
Grace, a St. Jude leukemia survivor, shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery, highlighting the impact of St. Jude and her mission to give back.
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Storied Lives
St. Jude cancer survivor Scott stands as proof of what’s possible
Scott Hinshelwood, a St. Jude survivor, inspires hope in a young osteosarcoma patient and her mother, sharing his journey and offering support.
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Storied Lives
First to be cured of sickle cell disease, Kimberlin relishes the joy of each day
Uncover the challenges and miracles behind bone marrow transplants as a treatment for sickle cell disease.
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Storied Lives
St. Jude provided a foundation to help Courtney live her best life
Meet Courtney Davis, an investment banker on Wall Street, living her best life while managing sickle cell disease. Learn how St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has helped her exceed expectations.
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Storied Lives
How St. Jude brought Javier and his daughter Valentina even closer
After his daughter’s cancer diagnosis, he cherishes even a walk in the park or a kiss on the cheek.
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Storied Lives
St. Jude dad, Amit, making the most of a second chance
He had four car spa businesses in different cities that got most of his attention. His wife often reminded him to slow down and to spend time with his two young children. The first year of Bella’s life, Amit recalled traveling a lot which prevented him from being there for many of Bella’s developmental milestones.
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Storied Lives
A Father’s Gratitude: Homecoming after Cancer
Franchet treasures every moment with his son, Hayden, after returning from St. Jude.
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Storied Lives
Capri's dad, Chandler, says the secret to a good day is wearing brand-new socks
A simple tradition of wearing new socks turned into a global movement to support Capri during her cancer surgery at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. From Chandler’s quirky idea to the surgical team’s symbolic gesture, this story highlights the power of small acts of kindness.
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Storied Lives
A life-altering diagnosis and the power of perspective: Quincy's dad, Quinton
Quincy’s battle with Wilms tumor changed his family forever. Read their story and understand why life’s unpredictability teaches us never to take anything for granted.
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Storied Lives
11-year-old cancer survivor Sam hits first home run, inspiring his father, Drew
Sam’s triumphant home run is a testament to resilience and the unexpected joys life can bring. As an 11-year-old pediatric cancer survivor, he defied the odds and left his mark on the baseball field.
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Storied Lives
St. Jude dad Barry: "You gotta show up"
From tearful moments to dad jokes and cherished memories, Barry’s journey with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® exemplifies the power of a father’s love. Read on to learn how Barry’s dedication to his family extends beyond challenges, making every moment count.”
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Storied Lives
Moms Know Best: Natalie's mom, Nicole
Join Nicole on her journey of finding gratitude and perspective through her daughter's cancer diagnosis. Learn to appreciate the small things in life and prioritize family above all else.
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Storied Lives
Moms Know Best: Emmanuel’s mom, Regina
Witness Regina's unwavering support for her son Emmanuel at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. From eye cancer diagnosis to football scholarships, their story is a testament to strength.
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Storied Lives
Moms Know Best: Kayla's mom, Myestia
Join Kayla and her family on their remarkable journey through childhood cancer. Witness their resilience and the power of love and support.
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Storied Lives
Moms Know Best: Avyan's mom, Divya
Divya appreciates the small moments, finds peace in giving
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Storied Lives
Moms Know Best: Eri'elle's mom, Angel
Little ones will remember more than you think. Eri’Elle’s mom is grateful for the good things they recall and the bad things they forget.
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Storied Lives
Moms Know Best: Paishence’s mom, Nanette
Amid adversity and uncertainty, St. Jude mom Nanette says to ‘speak life’ to your child
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Storied Lives
Moms Know Best: Liliana’s mom, Vilma
St. Jude mom Vilma embraces the present by making ordinary days memorable
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Storied Lives
Moms Know Best: Lucas’ mom, Stephanie
After her son was diagnosed with cancer, Stephanie’s outlook on life changed.
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Storied Lives
Moms Know Best: Adalyn’s mom, Lorena
Adalyn’s mom savors every moment because you don’t know what’s in the future.
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Storied Lives
Moms Know Best: Beckett’s mom, Tammie
When Beckett’s mom Tammie thinks of Mother’s Day, she thinks of the sacrifices moms make — and the ones they can’t.
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Storied Lives
Moms Know Best: Luis’ mom, Melissa
Luis’ mom enjoys her children at every age. She’s grateful for all the milestones they reach.
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Storied Lives
Country music’s Darren Warren makes music — and more — for St. Jude
For most musicians, making it big means being at the top of the charts or sold-out shows in huge arenas. Darren Warren defines success differently.
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Storied Lives
St. Jude patient scores heartwarming encounter with legendary NFL quarterback Tony Romo
An avid Dallas Cowboys fan, Matthew never dreamed he’d meet his hero. Turns out, Tony Romo thinks kids at St. Jude like Matthew are the heroes.
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Possibilities
Our daughter taught us about life
Experience the profound impact of childhood cancer on a teacher's family. Follow their emotional journey as they find strength, support, and life-changing treatments at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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Storied Lives
Cooking with Javon: tater tot casserole
St. Jude patient Javon shares some of his favorite recipes. In this episode, Javon makes tater tot casserole.
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Storied Lives
Cooking with Javon: mac & cheese
St. Jude patient Javon shares some of his favorite recipes. In this episode, Javon creates beloved comfort food mac & cheese.
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Storied Lives
Cooking with Javon: fried catfish and dirty rice
St. Jude patient Javon shares some of his favorite recipes. In this episode, Javon creates delicious fried catfish and dirty rice.
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Storied Lives
From hoops to hope
Nick was a rising talent in the basketball community until a cancer diagnosis interrupted his dreams.
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Storied Lives
St. Jude childhood cancer survivor (literally) on top of world
He’s learned an object in motion stays in motion, so Tom keeps moving
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Storied Lives
Long-term Hodgkin lymphoma survivor reflects on her life 50 years after her treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Robin Segal is a mother and grandmother, living an active life and treasuring her time with family.
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Storied Lives
Patient No. 9,800: VA doctor, St. Jude survivor and now, wonderfully, dad
Dr. Matt DiVeronica was diagnosed with neuroblastoma as a toddler and treated at St. Jude. Now, he has his own little ones and provides care to Portland area veterans.
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Storied Lives
A St. Jude mother's resolve: 'She is not going to die.'
It has been 20 years since Mariangeles Grear was cured of childhood cancer. It was her mother's voice that carried her through.
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Storied Lives
St. Jude cancer survivor finally meets her bone-marrow donor - at her wedding
Hillary Husband married her childhood friend over Valentine's Day weekend. The man who helped save her life was there to witness it.
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Storied Lives
Hayley Arceneaux: Mission of a Lifetime
St. Jude cancer survivor represents "hope" aboard Inspiration4, world’s first all-civilian space flight.
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Storied Lives
Amy Jones’ journey to the extraordinary ordinary
When her dream of a normal life was derailed, St. Jude was there to save her — twice. Now this grateful leukemia survivor has made her favorite cause her career
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Storied Lives
Jessica’s journey
A neighbor, a nurse, a fellow cancer patient, a country music star — this St. Jude survivor found comfort at every turn.
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Storied Lives
Marathon tree house build brings a smile to St. Jude patient
Cancer survivor pulls a community together to build a tree house in 24 hours for St. Jude patient Nate, while rowing a marathon.
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Storied Lives
Embracing the past: Celebrating heritage with a personal story of survival
Now in his 20s, St. Jude survivor Ramón Hernández considers the impossibility of outrunning your past – and how he has thrived by honoring his experiences.
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Storied Lives
The awakening of 'Zen Len'
St. Jude survivor Len Delony drew upon his cancer hardships to embrace mindfulness, which he's used to help others as a hospital chaplain and Methodist minister.
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Storied Lives
Childhood cancer survivor now boosts researchers' search for a cure
Treated for cancer in his teens, Chase Carter now helps raise funds and awareness for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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Storied Lives
The kid with a passion for vehicles rides on for St. Jude
Mission driven, the St. Jude mail van driver knows his work helps because he, too, was a St. Jude kid.
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Storied Lives
Tiara Herr: Songbird
As a little girl, she used to run through the halls of St. Jude, singing at the top of her lungs. Today, Tiara plays piano, writes and performs original songs, performs in musical theater, and even teaches voice lessons despite being legally deaf, an after-effect of treatment for neuroblastoma.
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Storied Lives
Kris Xifos: A Survivor's Survivor
His young life threatened by a rare blood disorder, St. Jude patient Kris Xifos grew up to serve his country as a Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Storied Lives
Aiding Syrian Refugees: A Voice for the Voiceless
At 31, Sean Kenney is a veteran aid worker, helping refugees and migrants in Lebanon. His compassion stems from the hardships he faced after having a brain tumor at age 3.
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Storied Lives
Making Art, Making Meaning: Michelle's Story
When Michelle was treated for leukemia at St. Jude 45 years ago, her chances of survival were 50 percent. Now, she makes art to show her gratitude and support the hospital where survival rates have soared to 94 percent.
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Storied Lives
Art Imitates Life: How One Woman Draws Inspiration From Illness
Fashion designer and illustrator Kris Keys first learned to love painting as a child in a hospital bed. After traveling the globe, Kris still gets inspiration from the blood disorder that’s been with her since she was born.
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Storied Lives
An Open Door: Cedric's Story
As the son of sharecroppers in the 1960s, two-year-old Cedric faced nearly insurmountable obstacles when he developed kidney cancer. St. Jude was there to help save his life.
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Storied Lives
Patient No. 17
Danny Thomas said it would be worth building St. Jude Children's Research Hospital if it saved just one child’s life. He might have been talking about an Arkansas country boy named Dwight Tosh. Tosh was St. Jude patient number 17.
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Storied Lives
'The Royal Wedding of St. Jude'
Lindsey Wilkerson and Joel Alsup — cancer survivors, co-workers and friends since childhood — were married on the campus of St. Jude, a hospital that didn’t simply heal them but saved their lives and shaped them, in profound ways.
