Melissa Curiel

On April 6th, 2022, our world was forever rocked when our beloved son Jaxon was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. During the weeks that followed his initial diagnosis, our hands were held by an amazing brain tumor nurse coordinator named Tabatha from St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.  She was always quick to respond to my questions via email and guided us through this waiting period.  The day we found out his diagnosis was glioblastoma, without hesitancy, she asked if we wanted to come to Tennessee so Jaxon could receive care from the best.  Without hesitancy, we said yes. 

Within hours, the St. Jude travel office had called to arrange flights and accommodations. The travel coordinators were so helpful and worked out flights around our prior commitment, which was Jaxon’s baptism planned for the morning we were to fly to Tennessee.  

After arriving to St. Jude, we were greeted by another nurse coordinator who showed us around the hospital campus and took us to each area where we would have appointments over the next few weeks. We were given a daily food allowance for the cafeteria and a weekly stipend to pay for toiletries or any other needs that we had while living there.  

Our care team was absolutely amazing. All of Jaxon’s appointments for initial testing, imaging, doctor visits, radiation treatments, speech, physical and occupational therapy, and immunotherapy infusions were all scheduled for us.  This streamlined care allowed us to focus our attention solely on Jaxon and helping him to navigate this nightmare in which we were living. 

Even after Jaxon earned his angel wings, a representative from St. Jude reached out to offer their condolences.  We received financial assistance to help with the cost of funeral services, have had multiple people check in on us from bereavement services, and even received an invitation to attend their remembrance celebration in October.   

We will forever be grateful for the loving care provided to Jaxon during our time at St. Jude and are so thankful for the support given to our family throughout his journey.  

September is childhood cancer awareness month and we would love to encourage our friends and family to give a little back to St. Jude to allow other families facing this unimaginable battle to have the care, comfort, and support our family experienced. We also invite you to walk with us on September 21st to pay tribute and remember our sweet brave ninja Jaxon! 

All our love, 

The Curiel Family