Our purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.®
St. Jude exists to solve the most serious diseases affecting children. We're dedicated to advancing cures and prevention through research, exceptional care and an unwavering commitment to our patients and their families.
St. Jude is a research facility, a children’s hospital, a degree-granting medical center and a trusted nonprofit. We share what we learn from research and patient care on our campus in Memphis, Tennessee, so our discoveries can help children around the world.
St. Jude founder Danny Thomas, with patients
The spirit behind our purpose
When Danny Thomas founded St. Jude, he created a unique children’s hospital, focused on researching diseases and cures in addition to treating children regardless of race, religion or financial status.
The greatest reward is the smiles on the faces of the children whose lives you've helped save.
Danny Thomas, founder
St. Jude has helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate in the U.S. from 20% in 1962 to more than 80% today. Despite progress, pediatric cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease among U.S. children ages 1 to 19. As our knowledge advances, we continue to deepen our commitment to accelerating progress globally.
Our purpose in action
St. Jude is in the midst of a six-year, historic $12.9 billion strategic plan. Since its launch, we have made gains across the plan’s 5 focus areas: fundamental science, childhood cancer, childhood catastrophic diseases, global impact, and people & place. Here are just a few highlights:
Opening of the Inspiration4 Advanced Research Center
In 2021, we opened the Inspiration4 Advanced Research Center, where up to 1,000 employees work in labs devoted to immunology, neurobiology, cell and molecular biology, gene editing, advanced microscopy, immunotherapy and other fields.
Launch of Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines
The Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines is a collaboration among St. Jude, the World Health Organization and other global partners to provide safe and effective cancer medicines to about 120,000 children worldwide. Medicine deliveries began in 2025.
Expansion of the St. Jude Graduate School degree offerings
The St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences began offering a master’s degree in data science, with its total portfolio now including 4 degree-granting programs. 31 students earned degrees in 2025.
The St. Jude strategic plan sets measurable goals for how we will advance science, expand global reach and improve survival for children facing life-threatening diseases in the years ahead.
Leaders advancing our purpose
Advancing our mission requires purposeful leadership. Our leaders and governing bodies keep St. Jude focused on what matters most: helping children worldwide; using resources wisely; and earning the trust of patients, families, supporters and partners.
More to discover
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What does St. Jude do?
St. Jude gives kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases the chance they deserve. We're dedicated to providing the best care for patients and leading the research that leads to cures.
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History of St. Jude
Explore the history of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, from Danny Thomas’s founding vision to groundbreaking discoveries and global impact in childhood cancer research.
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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.
