Miracle In Remsen: St. Jude & Community Save 20-Year-Old From Rare Brain Tumor

A family in Remsen couldn't be more grateful that St Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Central New York community have saved their little girl.

Anna Jones isn't so little anymore. She's about to celebrate her 21st birthday, something that seem impossible after she was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor when she was 12.

It was discovered by accident after Anna slipped down the stairs.  Christine, Anna's mom, says she was still dizzy the next morning so they took her to the hospital. When she got the devastating news Anna had brain cancer she was in disbelief.

"It's crippling. You don't know what the future holds. You look at every day as it could be the last."

St Jude Saves Anna

Christine went home, did some research, and emailed a radiation oncologist at St Jude Children's Research Hospital. The doctor called on a Sunday morning from his cell phone at home.

Less than 24 hours later Christine and Anna were walking through the doors of St Jude, a place Anna says was unlike any place she'd been before.

"I hate the smell of hospitals. It's not really a hospital. It's just a fun place to go. As soon as I got there everyone was smiling. I knew that was going to be the best place."

Eight Years Later

Eight years later Anna remains cancer-free. She is working, living on her own, and living her best life.

"We can't believe it, but she will be 21 this summer"

Yearly Visits

Anna returns to St Jude every year as part of their aftercare treatment program. Once a St Jude patient, always a St Jude patient.

"For 8 years, she has had the privilege of having a second family within the walls of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A family that cares so much about her that her Radiation Oncologist called us to check in on and said he hopes Anna realizes just how important she is to all of them."

No Bills

If saving children isn't enough, saving families from never-ending medical bills is the way of life at St Jude Children's Research Hospital. Christine has never received a bill. Not for Anna's treatment, transportation, and airfare. Nothing.

Christine says she doesn't know what would have happened if she hadn't reached out to St Jude Children's Research Hospital.

"When someone first learns Anna is a patient at St. Jude, they always ask is if it’s anything like the commercials and I always say, “however you imagine it is, just know that it’s a MILLION times better than that”! Because it really is. They have changed Anna’s life and we couldn’t be more grateful."

Be a Partner in Hope

You can help save kids like Anna by becoming a Partner in Hope during our Country Cares Radiothon, presented by Drain Masters.

Call 800-995-5257 or donate online at St Jude.

"Here in Central New York, we work hard for our money, so knowing your donation is being used as intended is so important. I can tell you that you are, without a doubt, changing lives when you donate to St. Jude Research hospital. Thank you for helping Anna and countless other children celebrate as many birthdays as possible"

Thank You Gifts

To thank you for supporting St Jude Children's Research Hospital and becoming a Partner in Hope you'll have the honor of joining the country community with a 'This Shirt Saves Live ' t-shirt AND a We Won't Stop hoodie. The first 100 Partners in Hope will get their choice of 2 vouchers for any Utica Comets hockey game this season or Hoffman Car Wash. One lucky person will win tickets to see Brooks & Dunn at SPAC.