Patient Updates

	Daegen
	Age: 4
	Diagnosis: acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (learn more)

In July 2003, Daegen, a usually active and fun-loving 3-year-old, stopped walking. His parents struggled to find out what was bothering their little boy. "We didn't know what the problem was. He wouldn't tell us what was hurting or anything," said his father. "After about a day or two, we were finally able to get him to tell us that his knee was hurting."

Tests revealed that Daegen had acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a cancer that affects various white blood cells and can spread throughout other organs in the body.

Doctors at Daegen's local hospital began to treat the disease with chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. The cancer had gone into remission, and it appeared Daegen was on the road to recovery. Sadly, after several months, the cancer returned. "The doctors then recommended we come down to St. Jude because they felt they couldn't do anything else," said his father.

At St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Daegen again underwent chemotherapy and a second bone marrow transplant in hopes of destroying the cancer cells that had now spread throughout his body. The treatment was successful, and Daegen went into remission for a second time.

"You can look at Daegen and tell he looks healthy," Daegen's father said at the time. "He's running around and full of energy. But the question sits in the back of your mind, is it there or is it gone? He may not be here when he's 16, but we've had two more years since he's been diagnosed. He's had two birthdays, and to us that's quite an accomplishment. That's hope at its best right there."

But five months after his final treatment, the cancer returned. Sadly, Daegen lost his battle with cancer.

"My hope is that they will use what they have learned from treating Daegen to help children in the future," said Daegen's mother.

Daegen's parents continue to support St. Jude and return to the hospital for the St. Jude Day of Remembrance to celebrate Daegen's life and honor the many doctors and nurses who helped their family.