Family finds hope at St. Jude amid leukemia diagnosis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (KSNW) – At just over 2 years old, Mabry’s recurring ear infections evolved.

“Just couldn’t get rid of it, and then one Friday evening, she came to me, and her face was swollen,” said Jenny, Mabry’s mom.

Her mom, Jenny, took her to a hospital the next day. Doctors did blood work on Mabry, which led to an unsettling discovery.

“The doctor came in with just news that blew us off of our feet, that they felt confident that Mabry had leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia,” Jenny recalled.

They drove down the road to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“I thought I was taking my daughter to a hospice hospital,” Jenny said.

Although filled with fear, Jenny found a sense of hope stepping onto campus.

“A lady was there to kind of help me get the door open, and she could see the fear in my eyes. She said, ‘everything’s gonna be okay.’ She said, ‘I was in your shoes 18 years ago, and we brought my son here, and he’s doing wonderful,'” Jenny remembered.

Every year, thousands of families find themselves at St. Jude. None of the families ever receive a bill for treatment, housing, food, or travel.

“It takes one huge stress off of a family that’s going through something so so big as a child with cancer,” Jenny said.

Fast forward two and a half years, Mabry successfully completed her chemo treatments.

“She wouldn’t be here today with us if it wasn’t for St Jude,” Jenny said.

Today, Mabry is a healthy 12-year-old.

“I like to ride horses and play outside,” she said.

She has a life full of opportunities ahead.

You can help children with cancer by reserving a ticket for the Wichita St. Jude Dream Home giveaway.

The house is located in the Trails at Freestone community , near 21st and 143rd St East in Wichita. The value of the home is estimated at $725,000.

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