Name: Hayley
Diagnosis: Osteosarcoma
Home State: Louisiana
Hayley was working her way toward a black belt in tae kwon do when one of her knees began to ache. Her mother, Colleen, took her to the school doctor who said Hayley was fine, but the pain continued for several months. After another doctor’s visit, the family was jolted to learn that Hayley had a cancerous tumor in her leg.
Hayley’s father began researching osterosarcoma and found the Web site for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. He called the hospital to ask how his daughter could be admitted and was relieved to learn that St. Jude would cover all costs for treatment that the family’s insurance didn't.
At St. Jude, Hayley received chemotherapy and a limb-saving surgery, which has put the cancer into remission. She now returns to St. Jude every two months for check ups.
Coming back to St. Jude is not difficult for her because it’s like her second home. “Everyone here, from the security guard to the pharmacist to the cleaning lady, is so nice and so caring. I love it here!” she says.
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