A Louisiana Tech student, still a patient at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, is actively involved in its fundraising efforts through her sorority and plans to assist with the Monroe St. Jude Dream Home project this summer.
Lilyana Reyna, of Bossier City, hopes area residents will understand the urgency she feels about supporting the Memphis-based hospital. The 20-year-old is currently a sophomore biology pre-med major and member of Tri Delta sorority.
“I was referred to St. Jude during my sophomore year of high school,” Lilyana said, “because doctors were concerned I might have a form of chronic leukemia. Thankfully, it was ruled out.”
But while she was there, doctors diagnosed her with a rare mast cell genetic condition – hereditary alpha tryptasemia. Mast cells are part of the immune system’s first line of defense, helping the body respond to infections and toxins. The condition can cause the body to overreact in ways that go beyond typical allergies and can increase the risk of developing cancer in the future.
“Although I will always be sick,” Lilyana said, “it is because of them that I can live my life to my fullest.”
Lilyana began treatment at age 16 and continues to be monitored by St. Jude physicians. One of her most lasting memories came during her first meeting with a doctor at the hospital.
“She (the doctor) could immediately tell that I was not doing well, but she was going to do everything she could to help me live my life again,” Lilyana said. “After nearly a year of getting no answers and feeling worse each day, I will never forget how relieved I felt hearing those words.”
That experience helped shape Lilyana’s future goals. “That moment is why I strive to become a doctor one day,” she said.
Lilyana said St. Jude’s support extended well beyond medical care.
“We never had to worry about the cost of my biopsies, infusions or treatments, which took a huge weight off my family during an already stressful time,” she explained. “Beyond that, their team was incredibly hands-on and genuinely cared about us – not just as patients, but as people.”
Today, she remains connected to the hospital not only through her ongoing care but also through her leadership role with Tri Delta sorority at Louisiana Tech, where she serves as director of philanthropy.
“We host events throughout the year that raise thousands of dollars,” she said, noting activities such as Delta House of Pancakes, Sincerely Yours and 5K in a Day. “Keeping my sorority sisters as involved as possible with this incredible hospital is so incredibly rewarding.”
She also has the opportunity to visit the St. Jude campus in Memphis with fellow members, giving them a firsthand look at how their efforts make a difference.
This summer, Lilyana plans to help with the Open Houses scheduled as part of the Monroe St. Jude Dream Home project, continuing the work that has become deeply personal to her.
“I want potential St. Jude Dream Home ticket buyers to know that their support truly makes a difference for kids like me,” she said. “Every ticket helps give other children the same care, dedication and hope that has meant so much to me.”
Her story underscores why the Monroe St. Jude Dream Home project remains such an important fundraiser for the hospital.
The 9,000 tickets for the Monroe Dream Home will remain on sale until sold out, with the next big prize drawings listed as follows: Bonus Prize deadline, May 8 – 2026 Mazda3 Sedan Select, courtesy of Dream Day Foundation; and Last-Chance Prize deadline, June 5 – Generac home standby generator, courtesy of Albritton Service Co. The drawing for the house itself will be June 16.
Tickets are $100 each. To purchase, call 1-800-592-1582 or visit dreamhome.org.
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