Since opening in 1962, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has become a world leader in the research and treatment of childhood catastrophic diseases.
The story of St. Jude reflects purpose, persistence and progress.
Built on an uncommon idea
The origins of St. Jude trace back to Danny Thomas' belief that every child deserves a chance to live, no matter their illness. From the start, St. Jude was different. It was a place where scientists and doctors worked side by side, moving discoveries quickly from the lab to the bedside. Those discoveries were shared freely so more children could benefit.
Equally important was another revolutionary idea: Families should be able to focus on helping their children heal, not on how they would pay for treatment.
To bring that vision to life, Danny Thomas created the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC). ALSAC raises money and awareness to support St. Jude and has helped the organization grow since its earliest days.
These ideas created a model unlike any other – one that continues to shape everything we do today.
Explore the life and legacy of Danny Thomas and learn more about the founding story of St. Jude.
Dig deeper into the St. Jude story
Pioneering racial integration
At a time when many places were separated by race, St. Jude became the first fully integrated children's hospital in the South.
Learn how people from many backgrounds have helped shape our mission.
Our legacy of leadership
Our first director, Donald Pinkel, MD, led groundbreaking research and set high standards for the future.
Read about the leaders who have helped St. Jude expand its impact around the world.
60+ years of St. Jude
St. Jude was built on the belief that scientific discovery can change the future for children. See how we have grown over more than 60 years in our effort to ensure that no child should die in the dawn of life.
1960s
Building a new model
We opened our doors with a bold belief: Research and patient care should advance together. Such an approach had never been tried at this scale.
1970s
Proving what is possible
We helped show that childhood diseases once deemed untreatable could be cured with science, persistence and innovation.
1980s
Growing stronger
We invested in the people, programs and facilities needed to support future discoveries.
1990s
Looking beyond the cure
As more children survived, we helped people better understand the long-term needs of patients and families.
2000s
Moving research forward
New tools transformed the pace of research. We focused on understanding disease at its biological roots. This offered new possibilities for more precise treatments.
2010s
Unlocking the genome
Advances in genomics and precision medicine opened new frontiers. We helped lead efforts to understand the genetic drivers of childhood disease. We shared those insights with scientists around the world.
2020s
Reaching more children
Today, St. Jude works with partners around the world to share knowledge and improve care for children everywhere.
Guided by mission. Sustained by generosity.
The history of St. Jude is ultimately a story of people.
It is a story of patients and families who, in the face of life-threatening disease, turn to St. Jude. A story of scientists and clinicians who dedicate their lives to discovery and healing. A story of volunteers, partners and supporters who make that work possible.
For more than 60 years, donations have helped fuel St. Jude research, treatment and innovation. That partnership remains one of our greatest strengths. It is one of the reasons our impact continues to grow.
More to discover
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The impact of St. Jude
Since 1962, St. Jude has been advancing research and improving care and survival rates for kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
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Connect with us
St. Jude offers several ways to connect with our mission — from understanding where we operate, to exploring the campus experience, to engaging through official digital channels.
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What does St. Jude do?
St. Jude gives kids with cancer the chance they deserve. We're dedicated to providing the best care for patients and leading the research that leads to cures.
