CANCER WARRIOR SPOTLIGHT: KALEB

ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL MAY 2025 PATIENT OF THE MONTH

When Kaleb began to walk, his mom, Jerhonda, made sure he took his first steps in his playpen. When he had enough balance, she let him try his steps on the harder floor. Jerhonda must be extra careful with Kaleb, her youngest of two boys, because one fall can mean a major bruise. The toddler was diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenia, an autoimmune disorder which causes low numbers of platelets. Platelets are blood cells that help stop bleeding. ITP can cause easy bruising and bleeding.

Jerhonda had never heard of the blood disorder.

“It was scary,” she said.

Doctors referred Kaleb to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. She was relieved to hear that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food. “I was overjoyed that my son could receive treatment and I didn’t have to worry about [the medical expenses],” she said.

At St. Jude, Jerhonda said Kaleb was treated to slow down the destruction of platelets. He also currently receives weekly injections to increase his platelets.

“St. Jude and its staff take care of the children like they are their own children,’’ she said.

Jerhonda described Kaleb as playful, smart, independent and curious. He also loves to run, play basketball and cuddle with his mother, and enjoys music and humming along to songs. His favorite book is “Llama Llama Red Pajama,” and he is expanding his vocabulary every day.