When my son Lucas was diagnosed with cancer it was like a total blackout, but St. Jude was our light

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Early one August morning in 2016, at 3:00 a.m., my little Lucas arrived at my bed with his tiny steps. He was only 3 years old when his stomach pains became unbearable. Seeing his little face with pain and those little eyes that asked for help from his mom were just the beginning of a story full of love. It is also a story of hope, and many dreams based on the faith and wisdom of everyone who works at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

This whirlwind began with confusion and various diagnoses. Almost a month after his first symptoms, we heard the word ‘cancer’, and it was like a total blackout. A 3-year-old? Impossible... but that's how it was. That same day an exam indicated that the disease was very advanced, and local treatment was not enough.  

Our doctors in Chile referred us to St. Jude. 

We left everything to accompany our Lucas, who had a long and hard treatment that included chemotherapy, surgery, a bone marrow transplant, proton beam therapy and chemoimmunotherapy. Some of his treatments brought several adverse side effects. He also received many injections. Many times, I can't believe how brave my son was. The love of every person at St. Jude made this easier, always giving us a smile, always by our side, guiding us. What would we have done without St. Jude? Our lighthouse, our light that continues to accompany us always.  

This year, Lucas entered the St. Jude After Completion of Therapy (ACT) Clinic, 6 years after finishing treatment. There are thousands of questions ahead, but the peace of mind that St. Jude gives us with our son makes a big difference. 

Lucas is a child who enjoys life, loves sports and has a heart forged solely by and for St. Jude, which is synonymous with love, dedication and kindness. St. Jude is our beloved home away from home. It's family to us.  

During this holiday season, to everyone who in one way or another is part of this wonderful St. Jude family, I just want to say: thank you, many, many thanks, because one is not enough to thank you for all you do for our children.