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Calvin finds strength in laughter

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Signs of Calvin's cancer emerged in June 2018 when, after a family bike ride, his mom noticed his leg was swollen and he had a bump on his back. 

A CT scan and a biopsy showed Calvin had stage IV rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer of the soft tissue, with tumor growth in five places: his pelvis, hips, stomach, lung and neck. 

As his parents discussed treatment options with their medical team, something one doctor said stood out:

 
St. Jude patient Calvin smiling with his hands folded.
 
 
St. Jude patient Calvin and his mom smiling in a colorful hospital room.

St. Jude patient Calvin with his mom

 

He said, 'If it was my kid, we'd go to St. Jude.' We had no idea what we were up against. No idea. We just knew that this was the best place.

—Tiffany, Calvin's mom

At St. Jude, Calvin underwent chemotherapy, proton therapy and radiation treatments. Through it all, he kept his mom and the nurses laughing. 

 
 

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

 
 
Drawing of Earth, people smiling and a flag, by patient Calvin.

Artwork by St. Jude patient Calvin

 

Calvin is quick-witted, happy-go-lucky and strong-willed. He fights through the pain, and he's a really happy kid.

—Tiffany, Calvin's mom

Calvin continues to receive treatment at St. Jude, having experienced a recurrence of cancer in 2020. 

 
Patient Calvin receiving a hug from his dad in a hospital room.

Calvin with his dad

 
 
 

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