In the summer of 2020, photos posted to social media by Sariyah’s mom showed, at certain angles, a glow resembling a full moon in the child’s eye. She soon learned Sariyah had cancerous tumors in both eyes at the age of 18 months.
Her family was referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Sariyah’s parents have had to witness their baby undergoing intensive chemotherapy, eye injections, laser therapy and cryotherapy.
St. Jude patient Sariyah and her mother
The moment we walked in, I felt comfort.
I can’t help but feel peace.
— Sariyah's mother
Families, like Sariyah's, will never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
Sariyah continues to receive treatment at St. Jude, and her parents continue to have trust and faith in Sariyah’s care team.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
We won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. With your support, we’ll be one step closer to that day. Join St. Jude in recognizing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Let’s cure childhood cancer. Together.
Meet more patients
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Meet Ava
Five-year-old Ava had a cancerous brain tumor called medulloblastoma. Referred to St. Jude, she underwent a second surgery, proton therapy and chemotherapy.
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Meet Ay'Den
Ay'Den is a kind boy with an easy smile. When he collapsed, his family was afraid he had COVID-19. Ay'Den would be diagnosed with leukemia and referred to St. Jude.
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Meet Eri'Elle
Eri’Elle was just two years old when her troubles started. Her mother took her to a pediatrician and insisted they run tests to get to the bottom of her baby’s symptoms.
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Meet Luna
When St. Jude patient Luna started to feel sick, her parents became concerned. Doctors in Guatemala confirmed what her parents had feared: Luna had leukemia.
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Meet Nova
Though Nova's eye cancer is aggressive and she is being treated for a second time, her parents know the doctors at St. Jude will stop at nothing to help their baby girl live.
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Meet Patient Lucas
Around Thanksgiving of 2020, three-year-old Lucas was complaining of headaches. His parents thought he just wanted attention. An MRI indicated something more serious.