Brain Warrior Academy offers free, one-on-one math and English support for elementary students facing serious illness — founded by a Craniopharyngioma survivor and her devoted brother, both alumni of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Our story
Changed by three months at St. Jude.
When I was 11 years old, I was diagnosed with Craniopharyngioma, a rare brain tumor. My family and I moved into St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for three months of treatment. It was the hardest time of my life — but I was never alone. My brother Robert, who was only 9 years old, stayed by my side the entire time, and the entire St. Jude community gave me so much support.
During those three months, Robert and I walked the halls of St. Jude together. We saw hundreds of children fighting for their lives. We felt their fear, their hope, and their resilience. Those children never left our hearts.
Thanks to the incredible team at St. Jude, I am able to enjoy every part of my life again. And now, with our experience, my brother and I want to give back. We started Brain Warrior Academy to make sure that children going through serious illness — children just like I was — don't fall behind in school and don't feel forgotten during their hardest moments.
We give tutoring sessions to elementary students in math and English, one-on-one, completely free. Because every child deserves to keep learning, even on the hardest days.
— Lydia Choi, Co-founder & brain tumor survivor
Meet the founders
A sister and brother united by love, courage, and a mission to help.
At age 11, Lydia was diagnosed with Craniopharyngioma and spent three months at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for treatment. Now a healthy 15-year-old, she has channeled her experience into action — founding Brain Warrior Academy so no child has to feel left behind during their hardest moment. Lydia leads tutoring sessions in math and is the heart behind this mission.
When Lydia was sick, Robert was only 9 years old — and he never left her side. He spent three months at St. Jude, witnessing firsthand the strength of hundreds of children fighting cancer. That experience gave him a heart unlike any other. Now 12 and turning 13 this July, Robert tutors students alongside Lydia, showing the same love and care he gave in those hospital halls.
What we offer
Compassionate, patient, and free math and English support for kids who need it most.
Numbers, operations, word problems, and more — meeting each student right where they are.
We teach phonics, the alphabet, and more — based on each student's grade level.
Sessions happen online so students can learn from wherever they are — home, hospital, or anywhere.
Our tutors have lived similar experiences. We're not just teachers — we're proof that it gets better.
We started as two siblings and are building a network of caring volunteer tutors to reach more children.
How it works
Simple, personal, and flexible around your family's schedule.
Fill out the contact form below with your child's grade level and what they need help with.
Lydia or Robert will contact you within a few days to find a weekly session time that works for your family.
Your child meets their tutor virtually for a 30–45 minute session each week — completely free, always.
Join as a volunteer
Help us reach more children who need us.
We welcome high school and college volunteers who are patient, kind, and passionate about helping children. No prior tutoring experience required — just a big heart and a commitment to show up each week. Together, we can reach every child who needs us.
Apply to volunteer →Get in touch
Whether you need tutoring for your child or want to volunteer — we want to hear from you.
We read every message personally and respond within a few days.
BrainWarriorsTutoring@gmail.com