Our purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.®
St. Jude exists to solve the most serious problems facing children, advancing cures and prevention through research, exceptional care, and an unwavering commitment to families.
As a research institution, children’s hospital, a degree-granting medical center and a trusted nonprofit, we work to ensure our discoveries reach children everywhere, learning from those treated on our campus in Memphis, Tennessee.
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 that became a research center for the world, 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 14. 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’ve made gains across the plan’s five 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, which accommodates up to 1,000 employees and has 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 between St. Jude, the World Health Organization and other global partners, to provide safe and effective cancer medicines to approximately 120,000 children worldwide. Medicine deliveries commenced 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 across four 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 catastrophic disease in the years ahead.
Leaders advancing our purpose
Advancing our mission requires purposeful leadership. St. Jude's executive leaders and governing bodies help ensure the institution remains focused on what matters most: accelerating progress for children everywhere, stewarding resources responsibly and honoring the trust placed in us by patients, families, supporters and partners.
More to discover
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About St. Jude
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a leading pediatric cancer center. Learn more about St. Jude.
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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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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.
