Together They Had One Thing In Common. Cancer.

During the St. Jude Radiothon you may have heard the story of Luis and McKendree.  He’s from Honduras.  She’s from Tennessee.  Together they had one thing in common.  Cancer. One of the best things about St. Jude is how they take the time to know that each of these kids are going through cancer treatments but they still need to be kids.  With the help of the Child Life specialists, physical therapists, doctors and nurses, St. Jude holds a Teen Formal.  In April 2012, the cafeteria at St. Jude was transformed into old Havana.  It was the one night where they could forget for just a moment about all the treatments, the sickness, and just be kids.

McKendree wasn’t officially allowed to date yet but the Teen Formal was an exception.  And Luis was an exception as well.  McKendree’s treatment at St. Jude for thyroid cancer was pretty quick and intense, but Luis’ osteosarcoma treatment lasted a full year.  Luis came to St. Jude from Honduras.  He spoke very little English but was able to score a 30 on his ACT after living in the United States for a little bit.

The two of them went to Teen Formal.  He in his tuxedo and she in a beautiful (his words) black dress.  McKendree said the St. Jude Teen Formal is not one she would ever forget.  The two had a great time.  They had a genuine love for each other.  An innocent love according to their friends and her parents.

Unfortunately Luis’ cancer returned and he lost his battle on Valentine’s Day 2015.  The doctors, nurses, researchers, and certainly McKendree will not ever forget Luis and with your help are working hard to make sure that Luis’ story won’t repeat itself.