Lisa Wegner

I?m joining the nationwide movement to honor Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and support those who need us most ? the kids of St. Jude Children?s Research Hospital®. By participating in the St. Jude Walk, I am helping to cure childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. 

Here is my son Jakes's story:

In February 2015, after feeling sick for a few days, then finding out there was a large mass on his abdomen, our son Jake was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a pediatric cancer usually found in very young children. Jake was 18 years old. He was sent to the St. Jude affiliate in Peoria, at OSF St. Francis Hospital. A ten-pound football-sized tumor was removed from his abdomen, and Jake?s journey with St. Jude and his cancer battle had begun. 

After surgery, Jake went through proton radiation and there were no further signs of cancer. He graduated high school that spring, went back to playing baseball, and started college in August 2015. In January 2016, when Jake had some routine scans, neuroblastoma was found to come back in his spine and pelvic areas. Jake withdrew from college and began an extremely difficult course of treatment.

Treatment included many rounds of chemotherapy, two stem cell transplants, more proton radiation, and immunotherapy. The treatment took an extreme toll on his body. Jake went through lots of physical therapy and occupational therapy to be able to walk again and do everyday tasks. 

After some time, Jake went back to school, graduated from college, and is currently teaching at Normal Community High School. This year marks 10 years from his initial diagnosis, and Jake is officially considered cancer free!!

We are so grateful for all the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Jude! The ongoing research that St. Jude hospital provides saved Jake?s life and the lives of many children. The support and fundraising that is provided by so many people allows families to take care of their children and not have to worry about paying for the cost of treatment, travel, and housing. On behalf of our family and other St. Jude families, THANK YOU for the support!

Sincerely,

The Wegner Family
 

Can I count on your donation to help me reach my goal?

Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food ? so they can focus on helping their child live. By donating to my fundraising efforts, you are helping to make that possible.

Thank you for supporting me and the lifesaving work happening at St. Jude today.