When Gustavo was just 3 years old, he was treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. But when his cancer returned in October of 2015, his family made the journey from Guatemala to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for his continuing treatment and care. At St. Jude, Gustavo underwent chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.
Gustavo with Sima Jeha, MD, Director of St. Jude's Leukemia/Lymphoma Developmental Therapeutics.
St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate for childhood cancer from 20% when we first opened our doors in 1962 to 80% today. We won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.
"Since our first day here, St. Jude has covered everything for us. St. Jude has been a huge blessing for us."
Gustavo's mom
Gustavo finished treatment and returned to St. Jude for regular checkups. His parents described him as an obedient boy who enjoys spending time with his brother.
Editor's note: We regret to inform you that Gustavo passed away in June 2021.
Help our families focus on their sick child, not medical bills.
When you donate monthly, your gift means families, like Gustavo's, never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
Meet more patients
-
Meet Hannah
After receiving a devastating diagnosis, Hannah's family turned to St. Jude, where they would be free to focus on her treatment.
-
Meet Azalea
When Azalea was found to have rhabdomyosarcoma, her parents, Simone and Ricardo, traveled from Jamaica to St. Jude so Azalea would receive the best care.
-
Meet Gracie
What Gracie's mother initially thought was appendicitis turned out to be a far worse diagnosis for Gracie's condition: acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
-
Meet Kayla
Kayla endured two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy with grace and style. She ends it with a St. Jude tradition: the "No 'Mo Chemo" party.
-
Meet Liam
After they finish treatment, patients like Liam visit St. Jude for regular checkups. His family anxiously awaited the results of his first scan post-treatment.
-
Meet Aniya
“The first thing on my mind was making sure I had the money to pay for treatment,” says Aniya’s mom. But Aniya’s family will never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
-
Meet Ximena
Of her daughter’s diagnosis, her mother, Nora, said “We were on a dark path. But when we arrived at St. Jude, it was like seeing light on the path.”
-
Meet Lillian
Chemotherapy isn't easy, and we support the emotional well-being of patients like Lillian undergoing treatment. “ St. Jude is giving me my child,” says her mom.