Patient of the Week – Alexis

By St. Jude
PIO
June 14, 2014

Alexis is 7 years old

Diagnosis:

Alexis was found to suffer from neuroblastoma in April 2008.

Alexis colors quietly alongside her little sister, listening patiently as her sister chatters on about her drawing. Her sister loves to talk, but Alexis is shy. Their mom loves these moments, watching the girls play together. “They’re like best friends,” she said. “Alexis is a good big sister. She’s very patient.”

Alexis’ calm demeanor belies that fact that she has been battling neuroblastoma for more than half of her life.

Alexis was just 2 years old when she first walked through the doors of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Treatment for neuroblastoma is complicated. Alexis has undergone chemotherapy, radiation, a bone marrow transplant and multiple surgeries. Her cancer has come back twice, and each time, St. Jude has been there for her family.

When Alexis first arrived at St. Jude, her family didn’t know that St. Jude would not only cover the costs of Alexis’ treatment, but also housing, food and travel. “St. Jude took our worry away,” said her mom. “Then, we were able to focus on the most important thing—her treatment.”

Alexis’ family is grateful for St. Jude donors. “There’s just not enough you can say to someone who gives without ever seeing St. Jude,” said her mom. “Their generosity is overwhelming.”

Today, Alexis is home and doing well. She loves board games, drawing and playing with her little sister. Alexis returns to St. Jude for regular checkups.

 

Source: St Jude

Editor’s Note: To help give hope to children such as Alexis who are fighting life-threatening illnesses, please become a Partner In Hope.

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

 

 

Patient of the Week – Natalie Tanner

By St. Jude
November 14, 2009

Natalie Tanner
1 year old

 

 

 

Diagnosis:

Natalie was found to suffer from medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor.

Natalie’s Story:

On Mother’s Day 2007, Natalie’s mom noticed that her daughter, who had been such a happy, active baby since she was born three months earlier, could not lift her eyes upward. Natalie’s parents knew something wasn’t right. The next morning, Natalie’s mom took her little girl to the pediatrician. Just 24 hours later, Natalie was in the local hospital, diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a rare and deadly brain tumor.

The doctor told the family that medulloblastoma in infants is virtually untreatable. Radiation, effective at fighting the cancer, would be too toxic for litte Natalie’s developing brain. Local doctors performed surgery to remove 95 percent of the apricot-sized tumor. But it was up to Natalie’s parents to find a place for her continuing care.

The couple searched desperately for answers, and they were encouraged by the ground-breaking research being done at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Natalie’s mom contacted a St. Jude oncologist and asked him to level with her: With such grim odds, was it even worth it to make the cross-country trip to begin treatment at St. Jude?

“Natalie could be the first one to survive,” he told her.

With that one sentence, the family’s decision to come to St. Jude was made. “That was the type of person I wanted caring for and treating my daughter,” explained Kristen.

 

At St. Jude:

At St. Jude, the family was overwhelmed with all that was provided for them, from Natalie’s medical care to the free housing and meal cards. “The nurses, the doctors, the staff just took us in,” said Natalie’s mom. “They provided for all our needs, emotionally and physically.”

Natalie received months of chemotherapy, but a scan indicated the cancer had spread to her spine. In September, the Tanners put their daughter on hospice care and treasured the time they had left with their precious girl.

Then something amazing happened. Natalie came back to St. Jude for a follow-up scan that showed the cancer was shrinking. Natalie’s doctor said that her turnaround was like nothing he’d ever seen before. Natalie resumed her chemotherapy so that hopefully, the cancer would stay away for good.

Natalie is back home now and thriving. She loves talking, crawling and playing with her older brother.

As strange as it sounds, Natalie’s mom says she’s grateful for all that they’ve experienced. “St. Jude wants their families to have a lot of hope, and to be in a frame of mind where you think good things can happen,” she said.

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

Source: St. Jude

Patient of the Week – Victoria Caileanu

By St. Jude
November 4, 2009

Victoria Caileanu
4 years old

 

Diagnosis:

Victoria was found to suffer from Burkitt lymphoma in August 2008.

Victoria’s Story:

When little Victoria lost a drastic amount of weight—10 pounds in less than two weeks—her mother, Mariya, was terribly worried. Victoria’s skin began to turn yellow and she complained her stomach hurt. Mariya rushed her daughter to a doctor, and tests revealed devastating news: Victoria had a tumor in her abdomen.

Mariya was shocked to learn her little girl had cancer. “I almost had a heart attack,” she remembered. “My heart was hurting really bad.” The doctor advised that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital offered the best treatment and care for pediatric cancer and provided a referral. The hospital was 300 miles away, but if they drove all night, she could be there by morning.

At St. Jude:

Victoria quickly began receiving chemotherapy to destroy the enormous mass. Today, tests indicate that there are no more tumor cells in her body.

Victoria is home again—and back to her happy self. She likes to run, wrestle with her siblings, pose for pictures and swing on the swing set. She also loves coloring and puzzles. Now that Victoria is feeling better, the family is eager to give back. “St. Jude helped us so much, and we paid nothing,” said Mariya. “For a family without a big income, a hospital like this is really important.”

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

Source: St. Jude

Patient of the Week – Tony Cain

By St. Jude
October 27, 2009

Tony Cain
7 years old

Diagnosis:

Tony was found to suffer from Ewing sarcoma in July 2007.

 

Tony’s Story:

When 6-year-old Tony developed a limp and later hurt his leg while roughhousing, his family never imagined cancer was the root of these problems. During a family vacation to Florida, Tony slipped in a puddle of water and began limping. He assured his parents he wasn’t hurt, but they noticed that Tony continued to limp even after the family had returned home. A month later while jumping on his bed, Tony fell and hurt his leg.

“He didn’t sleep at all that night,” Tony’s mother said. “He said his leg hurt and he cried.” When Tony’s pain continued into the next day, she took him to the doctor. An X-ray revealed devastating news: Tony had a tumor. His pediatrician referred the family to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital right away. “I was in disbelief, I didn’t know what to think,” Tony’s mom said. “It all happened so quickly.”

At St. Jude:

As soon as the family arrived at St. Jude, they felt at ease. “We walked in the doors and my tears just stopped,” his mom said. “We saw kids playing and nobody looked sad.” St. Jude doctors found Tony suffered from Ewing sarcoma, a cancer of the bone and soft tissue.

Tony underwent five rounds of chemotherapy, followed by surgery to remove the tumor and part of his pelvis affected by the tumor. He then received 12 more rounds of chemotherapy. Tony also received physical and occupational therapies to help him regain strength. He now returns to St. Jude every three months for checkups.

Tony’s mom is thankful for all that St. Jude has provided for her family during this difficult time. Aside from Tony’s treatment and care, St. Jude provided housing, meals and transportation for him and one family member, as well as activities like arts and crafts projects to keep Tony and his sister, Alexis, occupied. The family is grateful, too, for the donors who help support St. Jude. “There’s no way we could have done it on our own,” his mom said.

Tony is in second grade. His favorite subject is reading, and each week he brings home a stack of books to read. Tony also likes to play outside with the neighborhood kids. “He gets tired a lot faster,” Tony’s mom said, “but Tony does his best to keep up with the kids. He still runs with them.”

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@goldcoastchronicle.com

Source St. Jude

Patient of the Week – Brookelynn Hunt

By St. Jude
October 24, 2009

Brookelynn Hunt

2 years old

Diagnosis:

Brookelynn was found to suffer from atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) in August 2007.

Brookelynn’s Story:

For a week, 13-month-old Brookelynn was off balance and sick to her stomach. Her parents, Christy and Richard, took her to the pediatrician, who said Brookelynn had an ear infection. But two days later, when Richard noticed little Brookelynn’s hand shaking, he felt something more was afflicting his daughter. He was in the process of driving her to the hospital when Brookelynn’s hand shaking turned into something much more serious: a seizure, which caused her to lose movement on her left side.

At the hospital, an MRI revealed a tumor on the right side of Brookelynn’s head. Doctors suspected ATRT. Brookelynn was immediately flown to a local children’s hospital, where surgeons removed 100 percent of the tumor. But doctors wanted to wait six weeks before starting treatment. Christy and Richard were ill at ease with the doctors recommendation, and started searching for alternative options. Their search led them to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

St. Jude staff advised Brookelynn’s family not to wait six weeks, as ATRT is a fast-growing cancer. St. Jude, they said, could see her immediately. “We left that night,” Christy said. “We literally packed up and left right then.”

At St. Jude:

Brookelynn underwent four months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation. She regained strength and movement on her left side. After she returned home, Brookelynn received oral chemotherapy. She visits St. Jude every six months for checkups.

“St. Jude is such a wonderful place,” Christy said. The family especially appreciated the housing provided to St. Jude families. “We stayed at the Target House for almost seven months,” she said. “It meant a lot. There was so much we didn’t have to worry about – the meals, Brookelynn’s care. It took a lot of stress off of us.”

Christy and Richard are most thankful for what St. Jude has given them—their daughter. “She’s still here with us,” Christy said. “She’s doing really well.” Brookelynn, who became a big sister over the summer, is a sweet little girl who loves animals and her baby dolls.

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@goldcoastchronicle.com

Source St. Jude

Patient of the Week – Joshua Solomon

By St. Jude
October 14, 2009

Joshua Solomon
5  years old

 

Diagnosis:

Joshua was found to have a brain stem glioma in August 2008.

Joshua’s Story:

Joshua is a sweet-natured boy. He has an engaging smile and he loves to give hugs. An only child, Joshua is the apple of his parents’ eyes. “He makes our day, every day,” said his mom. When Joshua suddenly fell ill during a family trip in late August, his family immediately rallied around him.

During the trip, Joshua developed neck pain and started to vomit. His family rushed him to a local hospital where the emergency room doctor ordered a CT scan and, when the results came in, sent the family to a larger hospital with a pediatric intensive care unit. “We didn’t really know why he was sending us there. We were kind of in a daze, and just praying,” Joshua’s mom remembered. At the larger hospital, doctors ordered an MRI, which revealed devastating news for Joshua’s parents: their boy suffered from an inoperable brain stem glioma, a type of brain tumor.

But there was hope on the horizon. Joshua’s parents were familiar with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and asked his doctor for a referral.

At St. Jude:

Joshua underwent chemotherapy and 30 rounds of radiation. Throughout it all, St. Jude provided Joshua and his family everything they needed. “The doctors are first class,” Joshua’s mom said. “The care and concern St. Jude gave us was amazing.”

Joshua’s parents are astonished by the generosity of people who give to St. Jude. “Because of them, St. Jude provides care for all children,” said Joshua’s mom. “Whether families have insurance or not, the patients get first class care. I know Danny Thomas is looking down from Heaven and smiling.”

Joshua finished his treatment in November, and he returns to St. Jude every three months for checkups. He is in preschool and he loves Thomas the Train. Recently, Joshua went horseback riding for the first time. “He loved it,” his mom said. “He can’t wait to go back.”

St. Jude Editor’s Note: We regret to inform you that Joshua passed away on August 14, 2009.

Source St. Jude

Patient of the Week – Sean Witsoe

By St Jude
October 10, 2009

Sean Witsoe
4 years old

Diagnosis:

Sean was discovered to have medulloblastoma in the August 2008.

Sean’s Story:

When Craig and Katie became St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Partners In Hope^® years ago, they never expected that one day they would need the hospital’s services. But in the summer of 2008, their little son Sean was found to suffer from a brain tumor, and they knew St. Jude was the best place for his treatment.

The morning Katie started to piece together what was wrong with Sean should have been a happy day: It was supposed to be the first day of preschool for Sean and his twin brother Matthew. But Sean woke up and vomited, something he had been doing on and off for weeks. The family had already ruled out a dairy allergy or acid reflux as the cause of his vomiting. Sean had been to a pediatric gastroenterologist, but the doctor couldn’t find anything wrong.

With dread, Katie started to add up all of the things that had lately affected Sean—the vomiting in the mornings, walking off balance, an eye that seemed lazy and problems swallowing. By the time Katie reached her computer to look up symptoms for a brain tumor, the dread was setting in.

That afternoon, Sean had a CT scan, and Katie and Craig’s worst fears were confirmed: Sean had a brain tumor known as medulloblastoma. He underwent surgery at a local children’s hospital to remove as much of the tumor as possible. As the little boy recovered, his parents started researching places for Sean’s continuing treatment. As monthly donors to St. Jude through the Partners In Hope program, Katie and Craig were familiar with the hospital. They soon realized that St. Jude was where Sean needed to be and obtained a referral.

At St. Jude:

At St. Jude, Sean began treatment immediately. He underwent chemotherapy and received 30 rounds of radiation. He also underwent a second brain surgery at St. Jude to remove more of the tumor.

Katie and Craig take comfort in the fact that Sean is getting the best care possible at St. Jude. “Sean still has a long way to go with treatment, but we are so very grateful for each day, each step in his amazing young life,” said Katie.

Sean is funny and likes to dance, and he loves spending time with Matthew and their three older siblings.

Source St. Jude

Patient of the week – Abigail Perez

By St. Jude/PIO
Sept. 28,, 2009

5 years old

Diagnosis:

Abigail was found to suffer from acute myeloid leukemia in 2007.

Abigail’s Story:

Little Abigail had always been the picture of health, but one day during a family vacation, one of her eyes began to bulge. Concerned, her parents, Marcelle and Billy, took her for an examination at their local hospital. On July 16, 2007, the family learned Abigail suffered from acute myeloid leukemia. Doctors gave her a 50 percent chance of survival.

Hurricane Katrina had wreaked havoc on the hospital in their hometown. Garbage collected in the hallways. No one came to remove the food trays from Abigail’s room, and ants moved in. “We went into survival mode,” Marcelle said. Abigail’s parents wanted a research hospital to provide cutting-edge treatment for their daughter. Their search led them to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The local doctor provided the referral, and St. Jude took care of travel arrangements.

At St. Jude:

At St. Jude, a nurse greeted the family. “Are you Abigail?” she said. “We’ve been waiting for you.” Abigail was instantly put at ease and loved the hospital. When they got into their room at Grizzlies House, Marcelle told her husband, “I think she’s going to make it.”

Abigail’s six-month treatment protocol provided five intense rounds of chemotherapy, necessitating inpatient stays. Each time before chemotherapy, she received a bone marrow aspiration and spinal tap. In addition, Abigail received a combination of intravenous and oral antibiotics to strengthen her immune system.

The battle against cancer affects the entire family. One day, Marcelle broke down on the elevator, and it was a St. Jude maintenance man who provided words of comfort. “There’s no crying today, miss,” he said. “We do miracles here, so you just dry up those tears.” It was exactly what she needed to hear. These small, random acts of kindness accentuate the treatment at St. Jude and make the difference between this and other hospitals – at least for the Perez family.

“No other hospital in the world compares,” said Marcelle. “Everyone from Dr. Ribeiro to the maintenance staff is on a mission.”

St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. “Insurance doesn’t matter here,” said Marcelle. “If she needs a test, she gets the test.” It’s a good thing too. Abigail’s treatment costs a minimum of $20,000 per month; complications increase the cost. “I really believe the treatment costs could have bankrupted us,” said Marcelle, “but what choice did we have? Thank God there is St. Jude where parents do not have to choose between the life of their child and the huge financial burdens of skyrocketing healthcare costs.”

Marcelle says they are “evangelical about St. Jude” and calls it the “Disney World of hospitals.” She appreciates so many things about the hospital, from their lodging at Target House, where every need is anticipated, to the hospital’s school program.

Abigail now tests negative for leukemic cells. She’s done with chemotherapy and returns to the hospital every four months for follow-up. She’s an active girl who loves swimming, riding her bike and watching shows like Dora the Explorer, Wonder Pets and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Source: St. Jude

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Patient of the week – Asia Franklin

By St. Jude/PIO
Sept. 27, 2009

9 years old

Diagnosis:

Asia was found to suffer from acute lymphoblastic leukemia in October 2006.

Asia’s Story:

Asia has always been the type of child who doesn’t focus on the future. Instead, she relishes each day as it comes. Like most little girls, she loves to color and play with her dolls. But when she was just 7 years old, Asia began developing a set of alarming symptoms that had her family worried whether she’d have a future at all.

Asia’s nose began to bleed, followed by leg pain and fevers. Then, she lost her appetite. As the number of symptoms grew, her mother, Ramona, began to suspect something was very wrong. A trip to the local children’s hospital provided the worried family with a diagnosis, but no relief: Asia suffered from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common type of childhood cancer. As soon as the diagnosis was made, Asia’s doctors referred her to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

At St. Jude:

Asia immediately started a two-and-a-half-year treatment protocol for ALL. She comes to St. Jude once a week for chemotherapy and is expected to finish her treatment in early 2009. Although Asia’s family was overwhelmed with her diagnosis, they were relieved to learn that the survival rate for ALL is high. When St. Jude opened in 1962, the survival rate was 4 percent. Today, it is 94 percent. “Initially I was in shock,” Ramona said of learning Asia’s diagnosis. “But now I don’t worry quite so much, I don’t shed quite so many tears.”

St. Jude has provided the family with peace. “From the day we arrived, it felt like home,” Ramona said. She is very grateful for the hospital’s generous supporters, whose donations help provide her daughter’s treatment and care, as well as housing, transportation and food. Not having to worry about such things has been a huge relief for the family.

Much to her family’s delight, Asia continues to thrive. She is in third grade and loves to sing and dance. “It’s been a wonderful experience,” Ramona said. “We’ve never lost hope.” For Asia, a bright-eyed girl who loves to live for today, St. Jude is helping to ensure her future.

Source: St. Jude

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Patient of the week – Ellen Taylor

By St. Jude/PIO
Sept. 17, 2009

5 years old

Diagnosis:

Ellen was found to suffer from non-Hodgkin lymphoma in February 2008.

Ellen’s Story:

The mother of 3-year-old Ellen was plagued with worry over her daughter’s swollen lymph nodes, even though doctors repeatedly told her it was nothing.

They insisted the bumps on Ellen’s head and neck were caused by a simple infection. But after three months of taking antibiotics with no improvement, Ellen’s primary care doctor examined the bump on her head and said, “It’s not good. I don’t know what this is, but we need to get it off.” The doctor sent them immediately to the local children’s hospital, where the family was devastated to learn their little girl had non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The doctor referred Ellen to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

At St. Jude:

Ellen’s mom remembered how terrified she and her husband were when they arrived to St. Jude. “We were at the security gate, and you could see the devastation on our faces. The security guard put his hand on my husband’s and said, ‘You are in the right place.’”

Doctors immediately placed Ellen on a two-and-a-half-year protocol of chemotherapy. The treatment is tough, but Ellen has been brave.

Ellen’s mom says there are two miracles at St. Jude: the cures the hospital provides and the beautiful people she’s met during this experience with her daughter—people like the doctors and nurses who care for her daughter, as well as the volunteers and donors who give so generously to St. Jude.

Darlene, a nurse in the medicine room, knows how much Ellen hates shots—but also knows how much she loves the Wizard of Oz. So when Ellen gets her chemotherapy shots, they hold hands and repeat, “There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home.” Ellen’s mom said these small acts of kindness mean the world to their family.

Ellen is responding well to treatment, and her prognosis is good. Ellen loves cooking with her dad and playing dress up. She also loves to sing, and she knows all the words to “The Star Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful.”‘

Source: St. Jude

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

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