8-year-old Coast cancer survivor making strides following recovery at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) – Second-grader Asher Bonura’s world changed in September 2024 when his mother received news no parent wants to hear.
“The whole world felt like it was just closing in on us within a matter of just, like, maybe five days, it was just bad news over bad news, and you just kind of started to feel just, really terrified,” Kristen Bonura, Asher’s mother, said.
Asher was diagnosed with Stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare, soft-tissue cancer.
From there, Asher and his family were accepted into St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an answered prayer for the family.
“We had an answer; they did accept us, and not only that, but they were coming to get us.”
Asher was given a 33.3 percent chance to live, but his family refused to accept those numbers as his fate.
“We knew that our only saving grace was going to be be God, so we really dived into our faith.”
For ten months, faith became their lifeline through treatment and uncertainty.
On January 7, 2026, Asher received his most precious gift: a cancer-free diagnosis.
“He’s an inspiration, and I really believe that, you know, God put us through this because Asher has something really big to say.”
Asher’s name is now permanent at the St. Jude Dream Home in Gulfport, a tribute to his journey to beat cancer.
His mother says every dollar put into the home means one more child gets their fighting chance.
“Every one of these dollars, I just see a kid. I saw the kids that we saw each day.”
As Asher enjoys his second chance at life, his mother will never forget what St. Jude gave them.
“They take care of you. They take care of your family so that you can focus on your child, and that’s why we’re here. That’s why we’ve made it.”
For a mother who watched her son battle cancer and win, she now knows the true prescription for healing.
“Love your child. Just fill them with love, with positivity, and just cling together. I think that’s more medicine than anything you can get at the hospital.”
To learn more about how you can help children battling cancer, visit the St. Jude Dream Home tab on our website.
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