Hailey Meche was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia when she was just 9 years old. It’s the most common form of leukemia that has a very successful rate of treatment. Over 94% percent will survive. When St. Jude opened in 1962, the success rate was only 4%. She remembers it being like Disney.
"You knew it was a place where people go to get treatment for something, but at the same time, it had a feeling of comfort too. In the air was playfulness, like the doctors would joke around with the kids."
For her mother Michelle Chiasson, it all started a normal visit to the doctor.
"She had a fever, and she was throwing up we brought her to the doctor and he said it was just virus that had to run its course."
She never thought it would be something more.
"She had never been to the emergency room before," says Chiasson. "She was always a healthy child before that."
And that night they did blood work, the next morning the doctor called an provided two choices for the family.
"he said you have two choices, this other hospital or St. Jude," says Michelle of the phone call. "We chose St. Jude."
St. Jude gave Michelle the hope she needed for Hailey, and the relief from the burdens like the money to pay for treatments.
"We had a place to live, we didn’t have to worry about groceries."
Hailey says she and children like her are the reason why you need to buy your St. Jude Dream Home ticket
"I say buy one because it’s awesome how much money they raise by raffling off a house," says Meche. "You could save a life!"
While Hailey was in in treatment, she found a love for video games. And that time playing, may have had a positive effect on her future.
"It helps me think about being an electrical engineer."
And now that she’s a graduate of Teurlings Catholic High School, she’s heading to UL in the fall. Her journey so far is all because of St. Jude.
To purchase your St. Jude Dream Home Ticket and to view weekend open house times visit KATC.com/StJude