Moms Know Best: Eri'elle's mom, Angel

Eri’Elle was just 2 and unable to walk in September of 2021 when she and her mother, Angel, were referred from a hospital in Louisiana to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.

On that day, Angel became a St. Jude mom. 

Eri’Elle was diagnosed with a malignant rhabdoid tumor on her spine and was in treatment for eight months. Now she’s 5 and heading to kindergarten this fall.

Angel learned a lot as a St. Jude mom and has some advice for other moms of kids with cancer. 

Like a lot of patients, Eri’Elle was young when she came to St. Jude. But there’s still a lot that she remembers about her time at the research hospital. 

Eri’Elle remembers the medical port in her chest. Whenever Angel uses an alcohol pad, Eri’Elle recalls that those were followed by a poke with a needle. 

Angel is grateful there are things Eri’Elle doesn’t remember.

“She doesn’t remember the feeding tube,” she said. “She doesn’t remember the surgeries, the pain, but she remembers all her friends.” 

Now that she has her baby back home, Angel doesn’t feel bad for spoiling her just a little bit.

“She’s ripping and running and flipping and flopping and climbing and jumping. And I can’t say no. You didn’t walk for a whole year,” Angel said. “It’s a blessing that you’re even walking. It’s a blessing that you’re even alive. Run, play, jump —just don’t hurt yourself.” 

Read more about Eri'elle here.