A Jonesboro man who survived childhood leukemia returned to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis this month to assist in advancing treatment research, coinciding with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.
Ben Sherman, now 25, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at the age of six. After a blood test and a chest X-ray revealed abnormal findings, Sherman began two and a half years of chemotherapy at St. Jude. His experience with the hospital left a lasting mark, and he recently returned as part of the St. Jude LIFE Study, a long-term research program that tracks the health of childhood cancer survivors.
At the time of Sherman’s treatment, the survival rate for children diagnosed with ALL had risen significantly to 94%, a far cry from the 4% survival rate when St. Jude first opened its doors in 1962. "I’m so fortunate that I’ve been able to live a healthy life post-treatment, and that is why I’m doing this study—to help St. Jude refine their trials and protocols," Sherman said.
Dr. Timothy Folse, clinical director of the St. Jude LIFE & After Completion of Therapy Clinic, explained the study’s purpose. “This kind of longitudinal study helps us understand and reduce late effects of cancer treatment on survivors. We’re using multiple testing methods—from echocardiograms to neurocognitive assessments—to track health outcomes over time.”
Sherman, now working in real estate development in Northwest Arkansas, was one of the first patients treated under “Protocol 16,” a modified treatment schedule that reduced the duration of chemotherapy by six months. "It was less time, less painful, and more effective than the previous approach," Sherman said, adding that his participation now allows researchers to evaluate the protocol’s long-term effectiveness.
The three-day visit exposed Sherman to various tests at the clinic, including heart evaluations, strength and balance tests, and cognitive assessments. Reflecting on his time back at the hospital, Sherman said, “The best thing to me is seeing the people. There are so many staff members who’ve been there for decades—familiar faces who greet you with a smile every time.”
Sherman also praised the hospital’s mission to create a brighter experience for families during an otherwise challenging time. "The doctors, nurses, and staff truly try to bring light to tough situations for these children," he said.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has grown substantially over the decades. Dr. Folse noted, “We’re probably up around 90,000 total patients now,” adding that the techniques studied today are aimed at improving outcomes for current and future generations of patients.
Sherman’s journey, which began in Memphis as a young boy fighting cancer, has come full circle with his commitment to giving back by helping refine treatments and improving the lives of others.