Monsy Alvarado

1 month ago | stjude.org | Monsy Alvarado

Español | English When María Antonieta was four months pregnant with her youngest child, Gretel Valentina, she was told that her daughter would likely face lifelong disabilities. She and her husband, Javier, braced themselves for the unknown.    At birth, their daughter, who is affectionately called by her second name, Valentina, was diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), an injury to the white brain tissue near the ventricles.

1 month ago | stjude.org | Monsy Alvarado

Español | English Alexandra stood tall in her khaki uniform, a side cap positioned neatly on her head, as she lined up with the other graduating soldiers. Her legs were straight, shoulders square and eyes looking ahead. In her peripheral vision, she saw her parents, Ana and Jesus, approaching, and carrying her 3-year-old sister Camila, who wore a bright pink dress and bow. Alexandra tightened her lips as tears threatened to spill. The moment had finally arrived.

2 months ago | stjude.org | Monsy Alvarado

Español | English One recent night, as Lily lay in bed with her son, Miguel, she felt something on his head. It was sticky. As she examined his head, adorned with a few fragile strands of hair regrown after chemotherapy, she noticed something blue. She soon realized that Miguel, who she lovingly calls Mikey, had somehow smeared the blue slime he had made in science class that day onto the few patches of hair that had regrown.

Nov 14, 2024 | stjude.org | Monsy Alvarado

Español | English The savory aroma of beef tenderloin cooking filled Lucas’ home as he and his family prepared for their annual harvest festival of thanks, or Erntedankfest, one recent Sunday in October. Lucas, who was treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, lives in Chile, but his mom, Daniela, has German roots, and traditionally celebrates the religious holiday with a special meal.

Oct 3, 2024 | stjude.org | Monsy Alvarado

Español | English Weeks before Día de los Muertos, Amelia begins to purchase decorations for the altar for her son Juan. When Juan was 9 years old, he was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor and treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital until 2018. He died at age 15.   Amelia said she has always lit candles for relatives who passed away for Día de los Muertos.