As a three-year-old, Jean Pierre was treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® after being diagnosed with craniopharyngioma, a slow-growing brain tumor that can cause serious illness.
At St. Jude, Jean Pierre received radiation therapy every day for three months. He later received speech and physical therapy.
St. Jude patient Jean Pierre with his mother
At 18, Jean Pierre credits his love of building and design to time spent as a patient at St. Jude.
He has now moved thousands of miles away from his native Costa Rica to start college at Penn State University where he wants to major in computer engineering.
St. Jude gave me a second chance and it’s something I will take advantage of and not waste it.
— Jean Pierre
Families, like Jean Pierre's, will never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
Jean Pierre credits his experience as making him who his is today. He explains that “it has taught me to have a better perspective on everything and to be more positive towards everyone.”
St. Jude patient Jean Pierre and his brothers at home in Costa Rica
St. Jude patient Jean Pierre with friends and family in Costa Rica
Jean Pierre's father looks forward to the day when his son will graduate from university and hopes for his son to continue supporting St. Jude.
St. Jude means everything for us. We have our boy with us today just because of St. Jude.”
— Jean Pierre's father
Read more about Jean Pierre's inspiring story here. >
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