July Dotson

“July Randell Dotson, born on May 25, 2019 and ran into the arms of Jesus on June 10, 2024. July was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) on October 12, 2023. DIPG is an aggressive brain cancer that ultimately took his life.

July was a joyful and infectious boy. He loved to run and play, tell jokes, swim, and spend time with friends and family. A true five-year-old at heart, he shied away from the spotlight, but his love for those around him was always visible.

Before July could walk, he had a passion for football. He loved to kick the football. Often imitating the kickoff. He was a huge fan of the Oklahoma Sooners and the Kansas City Chiefs and even tried to like the Philadelphia Eagles, despite his dad’s allegiance to the Dallas Cowboys. He was also a superhero in his own right, especially during his time at St. Jude, where he battled DIPG with an “Iron-Man” port. As the disease progressed, his favorite Transformer toys became impossible to play with, but he never lost his love for Bumblebee and Optimus Prime.

Even in his passing, July’s compassion and grace continue to shine. He possessed more of both than most of us will ever have, and he’s still giving through the donation of his tumor and tissues for genetic and tumor research. He would want us to not only honor him, but to give as he would—selflessly, with love and compassion for others.

Forever and always, #ItsJulyYearRound ”