Teen With Rare Cancer Used His Make-A-Wish Gift To Help Homeless People Instead Of Himself

Warning: This article contains discussion of cancer which some readers may find distressing.

A teenage boy chose to use his Make-A-Wish opportunity to support others instead of focusing on himself while he was battling a rare form of cancer.

Jude Baker received a diagnosis for a disease that the National Cancer Institute says affects only about three out of one million people each year.

The diagnosis placed him among a very small group of patients who face this rare medical condition.

A difficult diagnosis at a young age

The cancer Jude developed is not only rare but also highly aggressive.

Medical information from The Royal Marsden explains that many patients diagnosed with this illness face survival rates of around 60 percent.

For Jude, who was only 12 years old when he received the news, the diagnosis marked the beginning of a very painful period in his life.

Even while dealing with the emotional and physical strain of treatment, he began thinking about ways he could help other people who were also struggling.

Jude Baker was 12 when he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer YouTube/ @11Alive

The harsh reality of chemotherapy

Speaking with 11Alive, Jude — who is now 14 years old — shared details about his experience undergoing chemotherapy to treat Ewing sarcoma.

Ewing sarcoma is a cancer that affects bones and the surrounding tissue.

"It wasn't even [the fear of] knowing I could die," he explained. "The chemo … it hurt."

Because of his age and his diagnosis, Jude qualified for assistance from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The organization gives children with serious illnesses the opportunity to experience a once-in-a-lifetime wish that can bring joy during a very difficult time.

Using his wish to help others

Many young people who receive a Make-A-Wish opportunity choose to travel somewhere special, meet a celebrity, or experience something they have always dreamed about.

Jude decided to take a very different path.

"I got out of my version of heck, and I want to help others who are in a similar situation, their own version," he said, explaining that he wanted to focus on helping homeless people in his local community.

"I wanted to help them out because I was in a bad situation and they were too," he added.

His decision surprised many people, but it quickly became a powerful example of compassion from someone going through an incredibly difficult situation.

Helping hundreds of people in need

Jude used the opportunity to organize an effort that provided practical support to people experiencing homelessness.

He helped distribute sleeping bags, backpacks, and essential supplies to those who needed them.

He also arranged for hot meals to be served to more than 300 people in his community.

Today, Jude is in remission.

He hopes that his story will encourage others to help people in need, even without a program like Make-A-Wish.

He said, per 11 Alive: "It doesn't have to come from a wish. You can help too."

Community support for Jude and his family

After hearing Jude’s story, local business owner Kevin Godfrey decided to organize a fundraiser to support the teen and his family.

He created a GoFundMe campaign so Jude could finally use some of the money for something that would benefit him directly.

Godfrey explained the purpose of the fundraiser on the page.

He wrote: "We want to raise money to send Jude and his family on a trip they will never forget — a chance for them to step away from hospitals, treatments, and worry and simply enjoy time together making memories."

"Jude has already shown our community what true compassion and selflessness looks like. Now we want to show him just how much his kindness has meant to all of us."

At first, the fundraiser aimed to collect $5,000.

However, the response from the public quickly exceeded expectations.

Donations climbed past $33,000, and the fundraising goal has now been increased to $50,000.

If you have been affected by similar issues and would like to speak with someone in confidence, you can contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or use their live chat support, which is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.