St. Jude families united in gratitude

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The savory aroma of beef tenderloin cooking filled Lucas’ home as he and his family prepared for their annual harvest festival of thanks, or Erntedankfest, one recent Sunday in October. Lucas, who was treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, lives in Chile, but his mom, Daniela, has German roots, and traditionally celebrates the religious holiday with a special meal.

This year the family enjoyed appetizers on the terrace before sharing the tenderloin prepared with fine herbs, creamy potatoes and a salad. The menu varies from year to year, but family and gratitude are at the heart of Erntedankfest.  

“The important thing is being together on that date and to give thanks,” Daniela said. 

While Thanksgiving is traditionally an American holiday, some international families who have spent time at St. Jude have embraced the spirit of gratitude it embodies. These families celebrate a ‘Day of Thanks’ in their native countries.  

Every day, Lucas’ family thanks God for his health, but on Erntedankfest it is an especially important part of their celebration. Diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was 3, Lucas began his cancer journey and completed treatment more than six years ago. Today, he’s thriving, and this past year, celebrated his First Communion and enjoys playing soccer and sailing.  

Now a pre-teen, Lucas visits St. Jude annually. In 2025, he will have a checkup in the After Completion of Treatment (ACT) Clinic which provides care for long-term childhood cancer survivors treated at St. Jude. 

More than 2,500 miles south of St. Jude, in Ecuador, the family of Emilio will also set aside time this year around Thanksgiving Day to give thanks. Emilio was treated at St. Jude for medulloblastoma. He finished treatment and is doing well. This year, he also celebrated his First Communion. 

They had never celebrated Thanksgiving in Ecuador, and learned about it in Memphis, and later about its traditions. When Emilio and his parents were in Memphis during treatment, they didn’t do much on Thanksgiving, his dad, Alex said. He recalled Emilio was in the thick of treatment on Thanksgiving. This year, however, Emilio’s 13th birthday falls on Thanksgiving and celebrations are in order. 

Emilio’s dad, Alex, was still deciding on the menu, but said turkey would be included. 

"The fact that it coincides with Emilio's birthday, we are going to celebrate it,” Alex said. “And since we have so much to be grateful for, we will surely continue to do so.”