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St. Jude patient Melanie being hugged by her mom.
 
 
 
 
 

In the summer of 2019, Melanie started having headaches.

Her mom, Jessica, thought she might need glasses. But the eye doctor saw something concerning about Melanie’s optic nerve.

 
St. Jude patient Melanie being hugged by her mom.

Melanie and her mom, Jessica

 

Tests soon revealed she had a type of brain cancer called pineoblastoma.

Her doctor referred to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

 
 

Families, like Melanie's, will never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.

 
 
St. Jude patient Melanie smiling.
 

Melanie arrived at St. Jude in early 2020 and her current treatment includes both chemotherapy and proton therapy.

She was a vibrant girl with a ready and an engaging smile.

 
St. Jude patient Melanie with heart cut outs.
 

She has what I call a ‘God Light.’ There’s just something about Melanie that draws people to her.

Melanie's mom, Jessica

 

Editor's note: We regret to inform you that Melanie passed away from cancer in July 2022.

 
 
St. Jude patient Melanie smiling.
 

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