When Yazleemar was a baby, just beginning to crawl, her parents noticed something strange. They saw a white, pearlescent glow in her left eye. It could have been a reflection, they supposed, but their alarm bells went off.

Soon after, this family from Puerto Rico took their child to the hospital and heard the worst news possible: Yazleemar had retinoblastoma, a cancer of the eye. They wanted the best treatment possible, but wondered how they could afford it.

Then they learned of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where families never receive a bill. Her caring St. Jude medical team administered chemotherapy, hoping to save Yazleemar’s left eye—and her life. But new tumors are common with retinoblastoma, and the eye may need to be removed. Only time will tell.

Yazleemar arrived to St. Jude at 11 months old and took her first steps here. Now she loves dancing and anything musical. At night, Yazleemar’s mother sings the little girl to sleep. These moments are precious.