St. Jude patient and his father go through cancer journey together

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When someone asks him who his best friend is, Antonio does not hesitate.  

He responds, “My dad.”  

The father and son duo spend a lot of time together and they have shared countless moments of joy. They share a love for certain artistic pursuits, such as graphic design and video editing; two of the creative areas in which Antonio’s father, Sebastián, works. They also enjoy playing video games and watching movies.  

“We watch a lot of action and horror movies,” Antonio said. 

 Antonio describes his father as an admirable and resilient man who has sacrificed everything, even his job, to be by his side. 

In 2020, during a vacation in their homeland of Guatemala, Antonio’s parents noticed that their only son’s hands had turned a yellowish tone.  

His symptoms initially pointed to hepatitis or liver issues. But Antonio’s symptoms later worsened. He stopped eating, and his fever persisted. 

After further laboratory tests, Antonio was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that causes the bone marrow to produce too many improperly functioning white blood cells called blasts. AML leaves patients without enough healthy white blood cells to fight infections. 

Antonio’s family embarked on an arduous medical journey.

Sebastián, a deeply religious person, had prayed for a different diagnosis. 

“I hoped that the doctor would tell us it had been a misunderstanding… It affected us quite a bit. But my family clung to faith.” 

Antonio’s mother, Wendy, also stood by Antonio’s side and was a pillar of strength for her son, especially when he was admitted to the intensive care unit. 

After treatment that included five courses of chemotherapy in Guatemala, doctors informed Antonio’s family that the disease had relapsed and progressed to an advanced stage. As Christmas approached in 2022, Antonio was referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.  

When Antonio and his mom had to travel to St. Jude in Tennessee, they tearfully said goodbye to Sebastián at the airport. Sebastián, who had to stay behind to work, wondered if he would ever see his son again.

Eventually, Sebastián was able to reunite with Antonio, 15, at St. Jude.

Their connection grew stronger in 2023, when Sebastián became a bone marrow donor for his son as part of a clinical trial. St. Jude doctors are studying the effects of stem cell transplants on patients like Antonio whose cancer has relapsed. 

Antonio explains, “I am incredibly grateful because he gave me a part of his body.  I love him very much.” 

“I am happy to have been the donor, and if I can do it for someone else, I would do it again,” Sebastián said. 

 Making the most of opportunities

When able during his treatment, Antonio has made the most of the space and programs offered to him at St. Jude. He has frequented the library, the playroom and the music area designated for patients. There, he played the drums and continued to learn how to play the guitar. 

In spring 2024, Antonio traveled home to Guatemala for two weeks, where he always enjoys his favorite food. The first thing he did upon arriving in his country was express his gratitude to the Virgin of Candelaria, or Our Lady of Candle, by visiting the church in which his father is a part of the choir.

Antonio’s journey included adversity. Unfortunately, even with all the advances in treatment in recent decades, the long-term survival rate for pediatric patients with relapsed AML is poor.

But Antonio’s family has been there for him, even when they had to be separated at times during his treatment. And he has drawn support from them and St. Jude. “St. Jude is a wonderful place where children are happy. I am very grateful to this hospital,” Antonio said.

“St. Jude has taken care of him from day one”, Sebastián said.