St. Jude patient Camila
St. Jude patient Camila with her father
Camila's story
Camila was desperate to go to the playground one morning as her mother spoke on the phone. “I want to go play,” she implored. Her mother, Ana, was reminded again how Camila’s energy was back then, even as her youngest daughter, now 3, was still undergoing cancer treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Camila was diagnosed three days before her 3rd birthday in September 2023 with Wilms tumor, a solid cancerous tumor of the kidney that arises from immature kidney cells.
“The same day that we arrived we got tests, and she started treatment within a few days that we got here,” she said. At St. Jude, Camila has received proton radiation therapy and weekly chemotherapy.
“She’s eating good, drinking, playing and running,” she said, Ana, noting her favorite foods are steak tacos and chocolate ice cream. “She’s back to herself just wanting to play.”
Camila enjoys playing with her older siblings, which include two sisters and three brothers. She also likes strolls in the park and painting.
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 patient Camila and her mom at St. Jude
St. Jude means everything. Here I have a lot of hope, and I feel that when we leave here, she will be cured.
- Camila's mom, Ana
St. Jude patient Camila with family members
St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer, no matter where they live.
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