Name: Dylan
Diagnosis: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Home state: Alabama
When Dylan was 8 years old, he began showing unusual symptoms after fighting a cold. Doctors ran several tests and discovered he had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood cancer. Dylan’s mother, Cathy, had heard about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospitalâ and asked for Dylan to be referred. The following day, Dylan and his mother flew to Memphis, Tenn., to begin treatment.
Dylan is undergoing the standard three-year protocol for ALL, which includes chemotherapy. He has responded well to treatment and even overcame a deadly fungal infection. He now returns to St. Jude every three months and usually stays at the local Ronald McDonald House.
"It’s hard to be away from home, but we both feel better when we’re here," said Cathy.
"St. Jude is the most wonderful place."
Dylan is an "A" student and still has time for drawing and guitar lessons. He also loves to follow football and swimming. One of Dylan’s favorite moments at St. Jude was meeting Country Cares co-founder Randy Owen.
