My First Trip to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude has been a part of my life in some kind of capacity for many years now. My mom, Tracy, has been involved with the hospital and some of the babies there for as long as I can remember.

I had heard stories from the hospital and met many patients over the years. When I was 16 years old, visiting St. Jude in Memphis was added to my bucket list.

In the summer of 2011, I had the pleasure of meeting a St. Jude patient named Ben who had been in remission for 13 years and was returning to the hospital for his check up. The day he asked me to join him was so unreal. I couldn't believe a dream of mine was coming true.

In December of 2011 we traveled to Memphis. Driving by the hospital was when it hit me. I was about to walk into a place that performs miracles every day. Ben, his cousin and I visited a couple different buildings on the campus and they were outstanding.

We walked into one building for one of the last tests my friend had to have done. We got off of the elevator on the second floor and I immediately saw toys and little red wagons. It was amazing. When I turned my head I saw a little girl and her mom walking out of their room. The mom looked like she hadn't slept in days. The little girl was so cute with her scarf on her head. She had her mask on her face and was walking with her I.V. pole.

The next thing I knew, the little girl stopped her mom, turned around, pulled her mask down and gave me the biggest smile in the world. This almost brought me to my knees. It was her small act that filled my heart with so much joy. I knew St. Jude was a happy place, but she reminded me that it was full of strength and hope. This little girl was fighting a horrible disease and still had the strength to stay happy.

I want to thank each and every one of you who became a Partner in Hope for this year's radiothon. If you haven't and would like to, you still have time. Give us call at 1-800-372-4999. You will save the life of a child.