A Special Experience With A St. Jude Miracle, Ben LeBlanc

In 2011, I had the pleasure of meeting one of the people who would change my life. One night, hanging out with a group of friends, I met a young man by the name of Ben LeBlanc who I would soon learn was a St. Jude patient. At that time, St. Jude had been a large part of my life for a while and I was still learning more and more each day. Ben and I became very close that summer and I was really happy when he finally decided to share his story with me and I shared with him the fact that visiting the hospital had always been a dream of mine. Little did I know, that December, that dream would come true. One of Ben's last check-ups was set for the Christmas holiday and I was so excited when he asked if I would join him on his trip. I had the most amazing Christmas and I couldn't have pictured it going any better. I met so many people and learned so much about the hospital. It is such a beautiful place and miracles truly do happen there. Angels are everywhere.

When Ben was 5 years old, bruises began appearing on his body and just a few weeks before his 6th birthday, he was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia). The next day his mother, Anna, packed enough clothes for two weeks and left for Memphis. Little did they know that they would be there for two months. Two years later, at the age of 8, Ben was officially considered to be in remission. Today, Ben is alive, healthy, and about to turn 21 years old. He has graduated high school, is in his third year of college, and has "graduated" from St. Jude. If that is not a miracle, I don't know what is.

(Ben is last on the right)

A simple $20 a month can help and save more children like Ben. Call 800-364-9665, become a Partner in Hope, and donate. I promise it is the most amazing feeling.

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