During the annual St. Jude Radiothon, Bobby sat down with seven-year-old Annzie and her mom Tamara, an interview that quickly became one of the most moving moments of the morning. Even after years of supporting St. Jude on the show, hearing a family’s firsthand experience always brings the mission to life in a whole new way.
Annzie is currently in active treatment at St. Jude for Fanconi Anemia, a rare genetic blood disorder that affects the body’s ability to produce red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Tamara, who is a nurse, explained that while she understood some of the medical terminology, nothing prepares a parent for hearing news like this about their child. What stunned Bobby, and would stun any parent, was the speed at which St. Jude responded. The very same day their primary care doctor submitted a referral, St. Jude called and asked to see Annzie immediately. No waiting list. No delays. Just immediate action that ultimately saved her life.
Within months, doctors determined that Annzie needed a bone marrow transplant. Without it, her condition could have easily progressed into leukemia. St. Jude handled everything, from the transplant itself to medications, hearing aids, travel to Memphis, lodging, and ongoing follow-up care. And like every family treated at St. Jude, they never received a bill. As Tamara spoke, she made it clear: without St. Jude, the financial burden alone would have overwhelmed them. Instead, they’ve been able to focus solely on helping their daughter heal.
Despite everything she’s facing, Annzie is still very much a bright, curious second grader. She talked about her dog, Zy, and about going to school at St. Jude, where she learns equations (math is her favorite). She smiled as she described the therapy dogs who hang out on a little carpet at the school, waiting for kids to come pet them. The night before, she even got to dance onstage at the Grand Ole Opry with Kelsea Ballerini, an experience that tired her out, but one she loved. She proudly shouted out her St. Jude friends, Autumn and Gig. Moments like these, the joy in between the treatments, are exactly what St. Jude makes possible.
For Bobby, this interview was another reminder of why the show dedicates so much energy to raising money for St. Jude each year. Families like Annzie's get world-class treatment, support, community, and hope, all without ever worrying about cost.
For those wanting to help, listeners can text Bobby to 785833 or visit stjude.org/bobbybones. Becoming a Partner in Hope today & tomorrow, means you get the special edition PIMPINJOY shirt created for this year’s Radiothon. St. Jude doesn’t just treat childhood cancer, they care for kids with rare and life-threatening diseases from all across the world. They share their research globally, so children everywhere benefit.