A mission celebrated in meaningful tattoos
Dozens of patients, survivors, donors and family members who have faced childhood cancer and received treatment at St. Jude have chosen to get meaningful and inspiring tattoos that honor and remind them of those experiences. The St. Jude logo, patient record number, images of St. Jude Thaddeus, names and treatment dates are just some of the examples of the tattoos they choose to get.
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Juan Sebastián, former St. Jude patient and cancer survivor from Colombia
It's the way they welcome you and how they treat you that marks you for life. It inspires such a passion for things, and everyone should have that same passion St. Jude has. I got the St. Jude tattoo because it's something that leaves a mark on you for life.
— Juan Sebastián
Juan Sebastián was 10 years old when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He was first treated in Bogota, Colombia, and months later, he was referred to St. Jude in Memphis, Tennessee.
After completing his treatment, Juan Sebastián and his mother, María Clara, decided to get matching tattoos on their left arms: the St. Jude logo featuring the silhouette of a praying child.
Now that he is a full-time college student, Juan Sebastián said that the tattoo also reminds him not to become too obsessed with the little things.
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Adrienne, former St. Jude patient and cancer survivor
St. Jude has always been a part of me because I was diagnosed with cancer at a very young age. Having a tattoo reminds me of everything — both the good and bad moments. It keeps me motivated, reminds me of its mission and what this hospital has done for me and my family.
— Adrienne
Adrienne was diagnosed with leukemia when she was two years old and received treatment at St. Jude. Today, she is a cancer survivor and mother of two teenagers.
Even though Adrienne had wanted to get a St. Jude tattoo for many years, she fulfilled her wish on the 40th anniversary of her treatment. She chose to do so in September 2022, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and raised funds.
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Photo of St. Jude patient Juan, held by his mom, Amelia, and brother, Javier
The idea of getting a tattoo started when Juan passed away. I wanted a tattoo in his memory. Every time I see my tattoo, I see Juan, and I think of everything it represents ... of that infinite love that I still have for my son. And how much I miss him.
— Amelia, Juan's mom
Juan was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor when he was nine years old. At St. Jude, Juan received treatment and was able to enjoy six more years of life with his family.
Amelia is scared of needles, but her desire to get a tattoo in honor of Juan was strong than her fear. In June 2021, she fulfilled her dream during a family trip to her sister's wedding in Mexico. The tattoo on her back features Juan's handwriting seplling out "love you", a blue heart representing his loving spirit, and the infinity symbol. "The infinity symbol is because my love for him has never diminished," she highlighted.
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Enrique carrying his daughter Ariana, a St. Jude patient
I have three tattoos related to St. Jude. The first one is of my daughter, Ariana. Its design features the hospital’s logo and a gray ribbon symbolizing brain tumor awareness. She had a brain tumor.
— Enrique, Ariana's dad
Ariana was only three years old when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor in Japan, where she lived with her family. She was referred to St. Jude in Memphis, Tennessee, for treatment and was able to enjoy five more years with her family.
Enrique decided to get a tattoo in honor of his daughter when she had her first relapse. The main reason is that most of his memories with Ariana are centered around or related to St. Jude. "St. Jude is where I feel she is with me; that's why I work here now. I feel it's the only way to continue telling her story and legacy. Even though Ariana passed away, I have too many beautiful memories at St. Jude with her," he said.
St. Jude has helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% in 1962 to 80% today. We won't stop until no child dies from cancer.
St. Jude patient Mayela
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St. Jude patient Abraham
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"This tattoo is a reminder of that goal one wants to achieve, of helping and giving other people the opportunity, just as St. Jude gave me that chance at life."
— Juan Sebastián, former St. Jude patient and cancer survivor
St. Jude patient Juan Sebastián and his mom showing their St. Jude logo tattoos.
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