Team Juan

Team Juan is committed to fundraising for the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital because we know firsthand what St. Jude does for its patients and their families. Team Juan would be honored to have you join us!

My oldest son, Juan, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in July of 2012 here in Phoenix. We weren’t given much hope until we arrived at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis in September of 2012. For six years, St. Jude was part of Juan’s journey. He relapsed twice, and each time the cancer returned more aggressively than before. St. Jude gave Juan six more years, and he fought every day until he sadly lost his battle in June of 2018.

It has now been eight years since we lost Juan. Eight years of milestones he should have experienced, memories he should have made, and a life that should have continued alongside his family.  But our St. Jude journey didn’t end with Juan...

For more than 10 years, St. Jude has also been part of Javier’s life. They began following Javier after Juan’s diagnosis because of his genetics, and they have continued to monitor and care for him ever since. This summer, our family found ourselves facing something we never imagined — Javier was diagnosed with a brain tumor of his own. Today, St. Jude continues to walk alongside Javier through his own cancer journey, just as they did for his brother.

To have the same place that cared for Juan now caring for Javier is something I never could have imagined. It brings back so many emotions, but it also brings us an incredible sense of comfort knowing that Javier is surrounded by people who have been part of our family’s story for more than a decade.

We lost the glue that held our family together when we lost Juan, but I will forever be grateful for the time St. Jude gave us with him, the memories we made, the moments we shared, and the support they have continued to provide for Javier and our family.

We walk in honor of Juan, in support of Javier, and for every child and family who needs St. Jude.

Will you help us honor Juan and support Javier by donating or joining our team? Every dollar raised helps ensure that families at St. Jude never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food... because all a family should have to worry about is helping their child live.

Thank you for standing with our family and supporting the lifesaving work of St. Jude.