Talking with Katie and her daughters, Zoey and Destiney, is like watching popcorn burst into fluffy white kernels—loud, full of motion, and delightful.
Their lively spirit is the first thing you notice. Then, their strength and the bond they share leave a lasting impression. Katie, Destiney, and Zoey have been through many challenges together.
In 1993, Katie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) when she was 9 years old. She received treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Years later, she found herself back at St. Jude. This time, she was a mother. In 2007, her daughter Zoey was diagnosed with ALL at 2 years old. In 2009, Destiney was diagnosed with ALL when she was 2.
All 3 received treatment at St. Jude and survived their cancers. Through everything, the family relied on the strength of their faith community, who prayed for them and offered support throughout both girls' treatments.
“Faith gives you strength to know there is a purpose for everything,” Katie says.
Today, all 3 are part of the St. Jude LIFETIME Cohort Study (St. Jude LIFE). They travel from their home in Missouri to take part when needed.
Katie believes the study is crucial for improving future treatments for patients and survivors.
“I joined St. Jude LIFE to help out,” Katie says. “I was already at St. Jude when the kids were going through their appointments. I told the St. Jude LIFE team that I wanted to be part of any studies I was eligible for. I want to help with future studies.”
Zoey and Destiney’s dad sometimes traveled to St. Jude to stay with the girls during treatment so Katie could do St. Jude LIFE tests.
Later, after each was eligible, Katie encouraged Destiney and Zoey to join St. Jude LIFE. Zoey is now 21. Destiney is 18.
Both young women wanted to help St. Jude learn more about the long-term effects of treatment. But they each found personal benefits, too.
Zoey has learned more about her physical strength through tests in the Human Performance Laboratory. She also has a condition called Turner syndrome. It can affect joints, muscle tissue, and cartilage. The physical tests, especially balance and lower body strength testing, have made her more aware of her physical abilities and have encouraged her to build her strength.
Destiney has social anxiety and has found it helpful to talk with a psychologist during St. Jude LIFE visits. These conversations have helped her better understand herself and become more comfortable in public spaces.
“Talking to a psychologist actually helped me come out of my shell a little,” Destiney says. “I go out in public a lot more than I used to.”
All 3 women describe their St. Jude LIFE experiences as worthwhile. Their story offers a unique family perspective on St. Jude LIFE. Together, they highlight the different but deeply personal ways St. Jude LIFE can shape and support survivors and their families.
Today, the family still lives in Missouri. Destiney is starting an art career, preparing to sell her cartoon-style work. Zoey is exploring her interests and recently celebrated her birthday at Silver Dollar City. Katie is active in her church community, attending retreats, conferences, and events that keep her schedule full.