Bringing Lenin Home

Though this story is hard to read, it is one very much worth telling. We have waited several months to share it with you and hope you'll find a quiet moment to take it in.

At 13 years old, Lenin began his second battle with Leukemia. He and his mother traveled to the US from Honduras when she was told that a bone marrow transplant at St. Jude would save her son's life. 

Leaving Lenin’s five siblings and ill father at home, the pair made their way to the St. Jude clinic in Charlotte, after a pit stop at the Houston facility, prepared for treatment, recovery and a safe return home to their family. Due to his immunocompromised state, Lenin developed shingles to his bloodstream along the way and passed away from complications before being able to receive a life-saving transplant. 

The cost to transport Lenin’s body home to Honduras was not possible for this family and his mother was faced with leaving her son’s remains here in the states. Jane’s Fund was able to cover the cost of Lenin’s funeral in Honduras and have his body sent back home, on the very same flight as his mom. Considering his shocked and grieving siblings who did not get a chance to say goodbye, Jane’s Fund sent custom bracelets bearing his name for each of them.

Lenin's mother defines the lengths one would go to for their child- crossing state and country lines for care. Jane’s Fund exists to help families stay together and we are grateful for the opportunity to do that in any way we can. 

We know that wouldn't be possible without generosity like yours.

Thank you.

#shinelikejane