When Carlitos was diagnosed with a brain tumor, his family faced overwhelming challenges, but they also found hope.
Carlitos’ Journey
Carlos, or “Carlitos” as his family lovingly calls him, first began to limp on his left leg in April 2024. At the time, his father had just undergone knee surgery, so his parents initially thought that Carlitos was simply copying his dad’s movements.
However, as time went on, the limp grew worse, and Carlitos’ mother, Nathaly, became concerned. After several tests, including an MRI, the doctors discovered that Carlitos had medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Carlitos underwent surgery in Mexico before being referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. St. Jude is recognized worldwide for its expertise in treating medulloblastoma, and their brain tumor program specializes in managing this complex disease.
A Mother’s Strength
“I was extremely distressed, but at the same time, I found comfort knowing that I wasn’t alone,” Nathaly, Carlitos’ mother, recalled.
At St. Jude, another MRI revealed that the tumor had spread to Carlitos’ brain and spine. In June 2024, Carlitos underwent more neurosurgeries, followed by a personalized treatment plan based on St. Jude’s SJiMB12 clinical trial. His treatment involved chemotherapy and proton beam radiotherapy, tailored to his specific case and clinical risk.
A Journey of Healing
Nathaly expressed how impressed they were by the compassion and dedication of the nurses and doctors at St. Jude. “Carlitos really appreciates them,” she said. “At first, he was scared and nervous, but now, he’s calm. He talks to the nurses, greets them, and even gives them hugs.”
Where Is Carlitos Now?
By 2025, Carlitos had completed his treatment and returned home. Although his journey is far from over, he continues to visit St. Jude for follow-up check-ups. Nathaly describes Carlitos as a joyful child who loves singing, dancing, and playing with his toy cars and dinosaur figures.
Carlitos’ story is one of resilience, hope, and the unyielding support of his family and the medical team at St. Jude.
