Jennifer and Jason: A Forever Bond

Posted: Sep 12, 2024

Jennifer Houston, an associate at Walmart, shares WHY she supports Studer Family Children’s Hospital, your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

“The summer of 1992 holds memories that will stay with me forever.”

My brother, Jason, then 10, would cry through the nights, his arms and legs in pain as he tried to sleep. After numerous doctor visits, the diagnosis came: Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL).

Jason underwent grueling rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. As his sibling, it was tough, but the burden on my mother, caring for her sick child while tending to her other two, was unimaginable.

On December 6, 1993, at just 11 years old, Jason left us. His passion for fishing, baseball, and playing with his friends will always be cherished.

Back then, treatment options for children were limited. At the time, the survival rate was around 60%. Today, thanks to medical advancements, the survival rate has risen to approximately 90% for children.

Many have experienced the devastating impact of cancer, losing a loved one to this horrible disease. By supporting Studer Family Children’s Hospital, your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, we are helping contribute to vital research, improved equipment, updated medications, and treatments, and, hopefully, a cure to end childhood cancer.

Each year, roughly 40 children and families within our hospital hear the words “your child has cancer.”

Many of these patients can spend weeks or months at a time in the Bear Family Foundation Pediatric Oncology Center for Hope, Northwest Florida’s only pediatric oncology center. With your support, we are able to walk side-by-side with children and families keeping their care close to home.

Join Jennifer, Walmart, and other Children’s Miracle Network corporate partners in helping children.100% of your donations keep children in our community for all of their treatment needs.