girl with cancer smiling in hospital bed

Juju's Journey

“Pittsburgh is Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, and we need to be 'helpers' when called,” says Katie about sharing her daughter’s story as part of the KDKA-TV Free Care Fund Benefit Show. “Anything that we can do to help raise money for all of the other kids who need help would be the least that we can do.”

When you meet Katie’s daughter, Julie (who goes by Juju) for the first time, you’re likely to find her riding on her motorized unicorn, being a good neighbor to others on her unit by bringing smiles and lollipops to her fellow patients and the UPMC Children’s staff. Juju is a typical 4-year-old. She loves music and drawing, and has seen Frozen and Frozen 2 “at least 30 times.” Over the past 10 months, Juju has done all of this while battling cancer at UPMC Children’s.

Learn more about how philanthropy fuels pediatric cancer research

In February 2021, Juju was diagnosed with stage IV, high-risk, neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells found in several areas of the body. Neuroblastoma is rare and almost always affects children.

Since her journey began, Juju has had 28 rounds of chemotherapy; 10 of which were high-dose, a nine-hour tumor resection surgery, and two bone marrow transplants. And that was only the start of her fight. She still has more hurdles to clear with radiation and immunotherapy being the next stops on her ride.

While Juju’s journey continues this holiday season, mom Katie knows that they have a community of helpers they can rely on, including friends, family, Juju’s medical team, and donors like you.

Give Now

More Stories

Stories of Hope and Healing

  • D'Kaiden

    D'Kaiden

    Doctors told Samantha to prepare for the worst — that her son D’Kaiden likely wouldn’t survive after birth.

    Full Story
  • Mackenzie

    Mackenzie

    Many children with developmental and behavioral health needs experience a difficult journey toward wellness due to services that are fragmented or inaccessible.

    Full Story
  • Rilyn

    Rilyn

    “We are truly thankful for all of the nurses, physicians, surgeons, therapists, and specialists that have been involved in Rilyn’s care,” says Rilyn’s mom, Jamie. “

    Full Story
  • Erin and Nelvia

    Erin’s Complex Care

    Just like an average little girl, Erin enjoys being outside and interacting with other children. But unlike most other children, Erin has spastic quad cerebral palsy

    Full Story
  • Jackson smiling

    Jackson’s Journey

    While Danielle was still pregnant, she learned that her unborn baby boy was already fighting an uphill battle.

    Full Story
  • Rosie's Future

    Rosie's Future

    In July 2022, Amanda and Adam were just settling into life as a family of five when their newborn daughter, Rosie, started twitching.

    Full Story
  • Colin’s Second Chance

    Colin’s Second Chance

    Our then 15-year-old son, Colin, had a yearly wellness check with his pediatrician. During that visit, his pediatrician noted that Colin had lost over 10 pounds in four months.

    Full Story
  • Maelynn’s Big Smile

    Maelynn’s Big Smile

    Maelynn is a spunky 7-year-old with dark blonde hair and a big smile. She is a straight-A student, loves music and gym class, and hopes to be a teacher one day.

    Full Story
  • Taylor's Road Home

    Taylor's Road Home

    Kim says living with her 13-year-old daughter, Taylor, is like living in a musical. “That child will break into song while doing the dishes,” Kim shares with a laugh.

    Full Story
  • Sophia

    Sophia

    Last New Year’s Eve, while many of us were cheerfully ringing in 2021 with friends and family, 5-year-old Sophia and her parents were grappling with devastating news.

    Full Story
  • Tristan

    Tristan

    If you’re a member of our monthly giving program, you’ve probably seen his smiling face before. Now, you can learn more about the brave kid behind the mask.

    Full Story
  • photo of a girl with no hair

    Delanee

    In August 2020, I was moving into my freshmen dorm at the University of Pittsburgh, ready to take on college. Little did I know I’d be moving out just a semester later.

    Full Story