First Christmas memories made at St. Jude

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María Fernanda starts getting ready for Christmas well in advance. 

Several weeks before, she writes her wish list for Santa Claus. This year, she asked for 25 presents. 

“She likes to give Santa options!” said Sochi, her mother, as she hugged her affectionately.

The list includes a pair of boots and several skincare products. 

“At 11 years old, she is still a little girl to us, but we have already seen how she is becoming a pre-teen,” Sochi said.

The first Christmas memories for this family come from their arrival at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. 

It was in December 2014.

María Fernanda was 14 months old and came from Cuba with a diagnosis of eye cancer. The doctor who treated her in Havana referred her to St. Jude. 

“In our country, we do not have a tradition to celebrate Christmas, so we had only seen it in movies,” recalled Ricardo, María Fernanda’s father. “Arriving at St. Jude was a mix of emotions: We were scared and uncertain but seeing the holiday decorations and the warm welcome from all the hospital staff made us feel hope and love.”

Since that first hospitalization, the family has adopted several Christmas traditions. They watch holiday-themed movies, prepare dinner for the extended family, and on Christmas Eve, María Fernanda places chocolate cookies and milk under the tree for Santa Claus. 

Maria Fernanda finished treatment and the family lives in Florida now. Maria Fernanda returns to St. Jude for regular checkups.

She is in fifth grade and is a member of her school’s honor society, where she is also part of the drama club. 

 St. Jude has become a symbol of hope for the family during the holiday season, Ricardo said.

“St. Jude gave us the chance to watch our only child grow and thrive, and for that, we will be forever grateful,” said Sochi.