Even as a young boy in Peru, Luis knew he wanted to be a soccer star when he grew up.
But he has a new dream. Now Luis wants to be like Danny Thomas, the founder of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He wants to help kids just like him.
Luis prays in the Danny and Rose Marie Thomas Memorial Garden on the St. Jude campus in Memphis, Tenn.
Luis discovered his new dream when he turned 5 years old and his parents noticed he was turning pale and had bruises on his legs.
A doctor’s visit confirmed he had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a type of blood cancer.
Luis underwent nearly two years of treatment in his home country of Peru.
“When I heard the word cancer, I thought he was going to die,” said Katherine, Luis' mom. “It felt like I was dreaming and I wanted to wake up. But I had to get the strength to carry on, Luis was very ill."
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Although Luis' cancer went into remission, it returned just before his treatment was finished and his family was referred to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
Luis was excited to see the hospital decorated for kids, with cheerful murals and bright colors.
Luis was inpatient, which meant that there was a parent room attached to his, so his family could be close.
Once we arrived, seeing inside the hospital? It's full of magic. It was incredible.
Luis is responding well to treatment, which will include chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.
We know Luis is getting the best treatment and everything is provided for free. It’s an immense burden off of our shoulders.
Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all they should worry about is helping their child live.
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