Anne Theresa O'Neill — St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Anne Theresa O'Neill, age 4, was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia in February 1952. At the time the disease was considered always fatal. Her mother prayed at Emmitsburg, in the room where Mother Seton had died. Ann's blood counts and condition improved. She recovered completely. She attributes her cure to her mother's faith and Seton's intercession.

Bone marrow biopsies, blood panels, and hospital charts from St. Agnes and University Hospital documented the diagnosis. Acute lymphocytic leukemia in 1952 had no effective treatment—blood transfusions were palliative. Spontaneous remission in a 4-year-old was medically unprecedented. Ann recovered completely and has lived into her 70s.