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.
Seeking treatment?
Our approach makes us different from most children’s hospitals. Learn more about seeking treatment for your child at St. Jude.
Our history
Founder and entertainer Danny Thomas opened the doors to St. Jude in 1962 with the dream that “no child should die in the dawn of life."
Why support us?
Unlike any other hospital, the majority of our funding comes from individual contributions. And thanks to generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude.
No child should die in the dawn of life.
Cost to family: $0
Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
Saving kids worldwide
St. Jude has treated children from all 50 states and from around the world.
Our goal: 100% survival
Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since it opened more than 50 years ago.
Our stories
Meet our patients, families, supporters, and staff and experience the innovative research, pioneering treatments and inspirational stories that happen at St. Jude every day. Experience our stories.
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St. Jude Paws at Play program celebrates first anniversary
The hospital’s Paws at Play program celebrates its anniversary. View some of Puggle’s and Huckleberry’s adventures from the past year.
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COVID-19 Q&A
Four St. Jude scientists answer your questions about COVID-19.
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Tune in for Telehealth
Telehealth services connect patients and providers amid coronavirus concerns.
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St. Jude Research Study Tracks Deadly Virus
Many St. Jude employees volunteer for a yearlong research study to help scientists learn about the virus that causes COVID-19.
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St. Jude Creates COVID-19 Information Hub
Through national and international collaborations, St. Jude aims to better understand COVID-19 in children worldwide, including in young cancer patients.
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In Pursuit of a Hidden Enemy
St. Jude teams unite to launch a unique process for COVID-19 testing of patients and employees.
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A COVID-19 Message from James R. Downing, MD
St. Jude President and CEO James R. Downing, MD, explains how St. Jude instituted innovative protection measures to minimize the impact of the virus among patients, families and staff.
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Meet Mia
Mia is a friendly, caring child who was referred to St. Jude from her home country of Nicaragua when she was 5 years old. She was diagnosed with anaplastic ependymoma, a malignant tumor in her brain.
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Meet Luis
Like many boys his age, Luis wanted to be a soccer player when he grew up. But then he was diagnosed with cancer. Now he wants to help kids like him.
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Meet Eleanor
Eleanor is a determined baby who arrived at St. Jude on her first birthday. She was diagnosed with down syndrome and a type of blood cancer.
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Meet Fletcher
Fletcher is a 12-year-old boy and a huge Cleveland Browns fan. So it was a dream come true when he announced the team's pick in the NFL draft on April 23.
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Meet Jamia
Jamia is weathering difficulties far beyond her years as she undergoes treatment for neuroblastoma, a type of cancer arising from nerve cells.
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Meet Deuce
Deuce is a fun-loving kid who's undergoing treatment for a rare type of blood cancer.
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Working like a dog: St. Jude Paws at Play celebrates six months of canine care
Brittany Reed and Shandra Taylor share their thoughts on how Puggle and Huckleberry have made an impact on the hospital and their lives. Read their reflections.
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Journey to the Jude: Escaping war and poverty in his homeland, chef Johnny Siv develops culinary talents to feed the St. Jude community
After escaping the war-torn nation of his youth, chef Johnny Siv uses food to give back to the patients at St. Jude. Read more about his remarkable journey.