Pouring Hope Into the Heartland

A St. Jude Survivor Story: Diagnosed in 1982, 40 Years in Remission | Powered by Joe Gloyd Concrete COnstruction Joe Gloyd Concrete Construction, social impact sponsor of the River Radio St. Jude Radiothon, introduces a local St. Jude story from a survivor diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 1982. After red spots led to bloodwork and an urgent referral, St. Jude quickly arranged care in Memphis and began a clear treatment plan with alternating hospital stays. The survivor recalls an intense, fast-paced routine and credits the timing of summer break for allowing his teacher mother to focus on his care. He marks 2024 as his 40th year in remission and describes St. Jude as patient- and family-centered, removing insurance and financial burdens and creating a child-focused environment of warmth and healing. He shares gratitude, family life, and ongoing connection to St. Jude events.

Nash’s Journey to St. Jude | Local Story from the River Radio St. Jude Radiothon (Powered by Joe Gloyd Concrete Construction) Joe Gloyd Concrete Construction owner Joe Gloyd shares why his company sponsors the River Radio St. Jude Radiothon, then a parent recounts how her son Nash became lethargic in May 2021 with pallor, leg pain, petechiae, and swollen lymph nodes after an initial RSV diagnosis. Lab work revealed an extremely high white blood cell count and very low hemoglobin, raising concern for leukemia, and Nash was sent by ambulance to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Arriving around 4:00 AM after a long night without clear answers, the family faced early challenges drawing blood, but describes St. Jude staff as responsive, comforting, and supportive. She emphasizes that treatment isn’t tied to a family’s financial situation and encourages new families to rely on St. Jude and focus on their child.

Local St. Jude Story: From Diagnosis at 16 to Motherhood—Powered by Joe Gloyd Concrete Construction Joe Gloyd, owner of Joe Gloyd Concrete Construction and social impact sponsor of the River Radio St. Jude Radiothon, introduces a local St. Jude story. A woman recounts being diagnosed with cancer at 16 after a shoulder injury and a medication mix-up led to abdominal pain, surgery, and a pathology result showing cancer; her doctor referred her to St. Jude, where scans revealed tumors throughout her body and major organs. She underwent five consecutive rounds of intense chemotherapy, 17 procedures, and three major surgeries, saying St. Jude saved her life and later helped her have a daughter after chemotherapy-related infertility. Now 30 and still a patient, she urges that every penny counts to support care and resources for patients, including babies needing chemotherapy.