Team Phoenix

Our team is named after Phoenix Jude Rodriguez. She and her sister Siouxsie Ann would not be here today without St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

This is because I, their mother, was diagnosed with a spinal tumor called Ewing's Sarcoma at the age of 12. I was a patient at St. Jude's for a portion of my year-long treatment that consisted of surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. Even beyond initial treatments, St. Jude's stepped up to treat me for complications in the following years, including two spinal surgeries at the age of 17. The cancer treatment allowed me to live and the spinal surgeries that followed provided me with quality of life free from significant disabilities. St. Jude's was pivotal in saving my life and thus, allowing for Phoenix to rise from the ashes. But the important impact of St. Jude's Hospital is not only through this experience. My goal is that others understand this:

St. Jude's is a leader in developing childhood cancer treatment protocols, which are shared globally. Without them, many treatments for childhood cancer would simply not exist. Countless children would never be given the chance to have their cancers treated. These children, including myself, would never have the chance to grow into adults without the research and development of therapies that come from St. Jude's. 

In addition to conducting and advancing research, developing treatment protocols, and personally treating thousands of patients, St. Jude's ensures that families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food when under their care. I can attest to experiencing this personally - from the moment a family arrives at St. Jude's, every detail of their care is taken care of so that they can focus solely on supporting their child through treatment. This incredible institution relies upon fundraising and awareness raising efforts. Please join me in supporting the lifesaving work happening at St. Jude's by joining Team Phoenix for this event!

-Lexie, Phoenix's Mama