St. Jude was founded on a promise: that no child should be denied the chance to live because of what a family could or could not afford.
More than six decades later, that promise has grown into something larger — a global scientific enterprise that has helped transform childhood cancer from frequently fatal to often survivable.
Our mission, vision and values are the architecture of how we work. They shape decisions across research, clinical care, education, and global collaboration — and hold us accountable to a purpose that extends well beyond our campus in Memphis.
Our mission
The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.
A commitment to discovery
To pursue understanding, cures and prevention for diseases that are among the most difficult and consequential in medicine — with research embedded directly in care, scientists and clinicians working in deliberate proximity and fundamental discovery moving from laboratory to patient faster than traditional models allow.
A commitment to patients
Access to world-class care should not depend on a family’s circumstances. The promise made by Danny Thomas when St. Jude opened in 1962 has never wavered. When St. Jude makes a breakthrough, protocols, data and expertise are shared openly with institutions around the world — because the commitment to access extends far beyond our campus.
Our vision
To accelerate progress against catastrophic disease at a global level
Childhood cancer is increasingly survivable, but only if you have access to the right care. In high-income countries, more than 80% of children diagnosed with cancer today will survive. In many low- and middle- income countries, that number is below 30%. The science exists; the gap is in access. St. Jude is closing that gap by training specialists, building health systems, expanding access to essential medicines, and sharing discoveries with more than 400 institutions worldwide.
Our vision is not a statement of aspiration — it is a plan. Learn more about how we are accelerating progress in our FY22-27 strategic plan.
Our values
Our values define how we pursue our mission — the standards we hold ourselves to in every interaction, every decision and every aspect of our work.
Always recognize that advancing treatment for children with catastrophic diseases is at the center of everything we do.
Do what is right; take ownership of what you do.
Work with purpose and urgency — your efforts matter.
Embrace the challenge to create a new tomorrow.
Work collaboratively and help others to succeed.
Always be respectful of your coworkers, our patients and their families, and visitors to our campus.
Make the most of St. Jude resources and be mindful of those who provided them.
These values guide the behaviors and decisions of everyone here — from researchers pursuing fundamental discovery to the people who welcome families on their first and most frightening day. The mission belongs to all of us.
More to discover
-
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.
-
Institutional impact
How St. Jude advances research, improves childhood cancer survival, supports communities and earns trust worldwide.
-
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.
