Two young men who are Ruston residents illustrate why events like this week’s local St. Jude Radiothon matter.
T.J. Malveaux Jr. and Jackson Mock have “graduated” from treatment at the hospital – and they’re now chasing their dreams, as all young people should have the opportunity to do. What’s more, both are studying to enter fields where they can give back to others.
If you’d like to help others suffering from childhood catastrophic diseases, tune in to the region’s 45th St. Jude Radiothon, to be broadcast Feb. 5-6 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Ruston station Z107.5.
Both young men vividly remember the care and community they found at St. Jude, and both say donor support made a life-changing difference for their families.
Malveaux was treated at St. Jude for germinoma, a rare brain tumor, when he was 12 years old. His treatment, which included surgery, lasted about four months. Now 27, he recalls that his strongest memory of St. Jude is not fear, but safety.
“As a kid at St. Jude, my strongest memory is feeling protected,” Malveaux said. “I truly believe God was watching over me through the doctors, nurses, staff – and even the therapy dogs who brought comfort when I was scared.”
At the time, he said, he didn’t fully understand everything that was happening, but he clearly felt a constant sense of care and compassion. “I felt God’s presence and his healing love every single day,” he said, adding that he remains deeply grateful for those who surrounded him then.
Today, Malveaux is studying at Delta Community College and working toward a career in law enforcement or firefighting – professions that would allow him to serve others, just as he was served. He says donor generosity made that future possible.
“Your generosity let me be a kid while fighting for my life,” he said. “You gave me hope.”
The other young man, Mock, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 4 and treated at St. Jude from 2010-2013 while living in West Monroe, before his family moved to Ruston. Now 20 and a January 2025 graduate of St. Jude’s follow-up care, Mock says his memories of the hospital focus less on illness and more on the people and experiences that surrounded him.
“There were always kids to play with and many game nights and activities,” he said. “St. Jude never felt like a hospital to me or my family. It was a place full of joy.” He remembers visits from the Memphis Grizzlies, arts and crafts nights, and colorful artwork throughout the hospital – all designed to help children feel normal during extraordinary circumstances.
Mock emphasized that donor support lifted an enormous burden from his family. Because St. Jude covers treatment, housing, food and travel, his mother was able to focus entirely on being by his side.
“Instead of my mom having to worry about being able to financially support my treatment, she was able to be there with me every step of the way,” Mock said. “Parents have enough to worry about while their child is battling cancer. Finances shouldn’t be stacked on top of that.”
Now a sophomore at Louisiana Tech University majoring in nursing, Mock says his career choice was inspired by caregivers encountered at St. Jude. He recalls that every nurse he met showed compassion and encouragement – even on difficult days – and he hopes to offer that same comfort to others. His ultimate goal is to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
Mock continues to participate in St. Jude life studies aimed at advancing research and will return every three years for follow-up testing.
“They (St. Jude) are the reason I’m still alive,” he said. “So if I can help the next kid in any way, I will do it.”
During the event, donations can be made by calling 1-800-787-5288 or by giving online via the station’s website (Z1075fm.com), Facebook (Z107.5) or Instagram (Z1075fm) pages. In-person donations will be collected in related side events at the Ruston Walmart Supercenter and Super 1 Foods.
The event, which raised nearly $96,000 last year, is co-sponsored by the Zeta Rho chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha service organization.
Radiothon chair Nancy Darland said the 45-year effort reflects North Louisiana’s long-standing commitment to the St. Jude mission. “Donations are what keep St. Jude running,” Darland said. “Our community has always been generous, and that generosity gives hope to children and their families. Currently, several from Ruston are in active treatment, and we send them our warmest thoughts and prayers.”
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