Cancer Warrior Spotlight: Beckett

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital September Patient of the Month

Even at 2 years old, Beckett was a very verbal child, able to describe how he felt. And how he felt was dizzy. He was also sick to his stomach from time to time, and had developed a head tilt.

Beckett was ultimately diagnosed with ATRT, an aggressive form of brain cancer. From that moment on, said his dad, it was “game face.” Brett and Tammie’s youngest child would need all their focus and positive energy for the long treatment ahead.

Since arriving at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® with a referral, Beckett has undergone surgery that succeeded in removing the entire tumor from his brain, proton therapy and chemotherapy. He received his last dose of chemotherapy in time to be back home in Michigan for Thanksgiving 2023, with his beloved older siblings.

That Thanksgiving “hit harder,” said Brett. He and Tammie no longer take anything for granted, not even the little things. And they have gratitude for St. Jude. “They’re changing people’s lives here,” said Brett.

Beckett is smart and happy-go-lucky. He enjoys construction vehicles and schoolwork, like reading and math, but his very favorite things are Monster Jam® and playing with his monster trucks.