Meet Avyan

St. Jude patient Avyan with his parents

Avyan's story

Avyan is something of an old soul. Though he is introverted and quiet, he carries himself with a confidence and a strength well beyond his years.

His maturity and optimism have given fortitude to his family as they walk through the unimaginable.

It started with a stomachache and vomiting. What first seemed like a simple childhood virus began to worry Avyan’s parents when it wasn’t resolving.

They brought Avyan in to see his local pediatrician who ordered testing, including a scan of his brain.

Neither Avyan nor his parents were expecting what came next ... they were told he had a cancerous tumor in his brain.

Thankfully, Avyan and his family were referred to St. Jude, where doctors placed him on a treatment plan that included chemotherapy and a special radiation therapy.

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Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.

St. Jude is the place where my child’s life was saved. It’s like a holy place to me. I take pride in saying my child was treated at St. Jude. There is no place like St. Jude.

Avyan's mom, Divya

Avyan has now completed treatment and is back at home. He enjoys learning about space and hanging out with the family dog, Astro.