Gratitude
Ryan Maranto visits with St. Jude oncologist Ching-Hon Pui, MD, the doctor who saved Ryan’s life.
Everybody has a story that makes them who they are—a legacy they’ll leave behind. Mine started the day I found out I had leukemia.
At age 8, it was hard to comprehend what the world of cancer really meant. I just knew I was sick, and I was going to a place that would help make me better: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
I remember the chemotherapy, the bone marrow and spinal tap procedures, and the nervous feeling of waiting for my name to be called. St. Jude is where I took my first communion and where I saw snow for the first time. My childhood revolved around the hospital.
Ching-Hon Pui, MD, is a legend in the field of leukemia treatment. He was my doctor: the man who made it happen for me. I have nothing but love and admiration for Dr. Pui. How can you express thanks to someone who not only gave you a second chance at life, but who has also done the same thing for so many other kids?
Looking back
Ryan strums a tune with a visiting musician in 1994.
When I was a boy, I had two friends who watched me progress through treatment. Those friends eventually married and had a daughter who is now undergoing treatment for the same cancer I had. I was able to explain to that couple what their daughter was about to experience.
And her oncologist? It’s Dr. Pui.
I’m joyful and happy and appreciative—never regretting for one moment that I had cancer. It’s been an unbelievable journey and a privilege to look back and know I had a second chance at life.
My greatest joy is when I can provide some level of hope for parents who are just getting started on this journey. Today, I lead an active and fulfilling life: attending football games in the fall, wakesurfing and wakeboarding in the summer. I never take life for granted. I’m joyful and happy and appreciative—never regretting for one moment that I had cancer. It’s been an unbelievable journey and a privilege to look back and know I had a second chance at life.
I’m living proof of what St. Jude can do, and I want to continue to carry that legacy, spreading a beacon of hope to other patients.
From Promise, Summer 2018
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Medulloblastoma: DNA Points the Way
Find out about how the discovery of 6 inherited gene mutations in medulloblastoma prompted the proposed guidelines for genetic counseling and testing when treating this type of brain cancer.
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Nutritious...Delicious...Nutriolicious!
A fun, informative cooking class offers a delicious smorgasbord of benefits for patients and families.
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Cloud with a Gold Lining
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Spurred into Action: Discovering the Origins of Rhabdomyosarcoma
In the race to increase survival rates for the soft-tissue cancer, one researcher proved rhabdomyosarcoma can originate in the inner surface of blood vessels.
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A Friendship and a Legacy
While estate planning, a couple found the benefits of giving a life insurance policy to St. Jude — get a tax break, pay over time, and maximize the gift for St. Jude patients.
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What's Your Reason to Walk?
Gratitude is the reason Team Griffin hits the pavement during the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer.
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Saving the World's Most Vulnerable Children
Learn how St. Jude helps save lives for Syrian refugee children with cancer and how international efforts are expanding in Middle East and Mediterranean regions.
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Reflections on Survivors' Social Connections
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Partners for HIV Prevention
St. Jude partners with the community to bring cutting-edge HIV prevention and education to at-risk youth.
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From Student to Scientist: The St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Receiving dedicated advising and mentorship by world-class biomedical researchers has inspired the inaugural class of the graduate school to become more than just students.
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Taking St. Jude to the World
St. Jude Global is a new initiative to improve access to care for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases all over the world.
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Research Highlights - Summer 2018
Read about the latest discoveries: medulloblastoma infant SHH-II subtype; a rogue protein; a 4th ALL predisposition gene; WHO partnership; crucial flu mutation; neurocognitive problems; preventing infections.