As an Air Force family stationed abroad, Griffin’s family was living in Germany when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on Veteran’s Day 2019.
St. Jude patient Griffin (left) with his siblings
The local hospital said it was vital he start chemotherapy within 48 hours. For his family, it felt very important to get back to the United States. “When bad things happen,” said his mom, Jennifer, “you want to go home.”
They were able to obtain acceptance to St. Jude, and twelve hours after diagnosis, Griffin and Jennifer were on a plane.
Jennifer was confident Griffin would be getting the best care, but worried about losing her military support system at this moment of crisis. But, she said:
It turns out, at St. Jude we are surrounded by all these people who instantly understand our struggles – just like in the military.
Our fellow families are from all over the world, and we are all walking the same path. We found a new community at St. Jude. An amazing one.
—Jennifer, Griffin's mom
Families, like Griffin's, never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
Griffin with his mom
Griffin still has much more treatment left to go, but he and his family continue clinging to the hope that St. Jude provides.
When I look back at that Veteran’s Day versus now, I think we must be the luckiest unlucky people in the world. Because we have so much support, and so much hope.
—Jennifer, Griffin's mom
Your donation helps give kids like Griffin the chance to grow up.
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