A black and white photo hanging on the wall of Deborah’s home is one of the few images remaining of her beloved little sister, Lisa, who died at just 2 years old from leukemia.
And on one particular morning last November, Deborah walked into the living room with her morning cup of tea to see that very photograph featured in a Mazda commercial about the legacy of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital founder Danny Thomas and Mazda’s commitment to St. Jude. Deborah was stunned, elated and ready to share her story with the world.
In 1965, Deborah was 11 years old. She and little sister Lisa were best friends, inseparable.
"Lisa was the most loving child," Deborah recalled. "I used to take her around the neighborhood and pretend that she was my baby. We loved playing hide and seek in the backyard."
That year, Lisa developed symptoms similar to whooping cough, but even after visiting her doctor, she wasn't getting better. Lisa's mother took her to St. Jude, the first integrated children's hospital in the South, where Lisa was diagnosed with leukemia.
Her treatment included chemotherapy, but, tragically, Lisa lost her battle with cancer that same year.
I know St. Jude did everything in their power to save Lisa, especially at that time,” she said. “It was so very early in learning about those diseases and cancers.
Deborah’s memories of the hospital at that time are few, but her fond memories of St. Jude’s positive impact are many.
“I know St. Jude did everything in their power to save Lisa, especially at that time,” she said. “It was so very early in learning about those diseases and cancers.” Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since it opened 53 years ago.
Lisa’s family still donates to St. Jude regularly and toured the hospital last year, noting the many changes and advancements in care that have occurred. “We are just so very proud of St. Jude, and we do anything that we can,” Deborah declared. “I’ve always said, ‘If I ever get a million dollars, St. Jude has it.’”
Deborah is grateful to the supporters of St. Jude. “The world can’t do without St. Jude,” she said. “So give and give as much as you can.”
You too can make a difference for St. Jude kids
-
St. Jude honors physicians who were key to hospital’s pandemic response
For the first time in St. Jude history, there are two recipients of the annual Amos Jacobs Award—the highest honor given to hospital employees. Read more about their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
-
A sequence of festive events: ‘Gene Gnome’ delivers holiday hijinks to St. Jude
See how Gene Gnome is bringing some holiday fun to the research community at St. Jude.
-
St. Jude employees have many reasons to say thanks
In a challenging year, read why St. Jude employees are thankful this holiday season.
-
St. Jude resource group supports efforts of veterans, active duty personnel and families
Veterans are an important part of the workforce at St. Jude. Learn how the hospital’s Military Support Resource Group helps employee veterans and active duty personnel.
-
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
To mark National Hispanic Heritage Month, St. Jude is honoring some our dedicated Hispanic employees. Learn more about their work.
-
Preparing for a Pandemic
The staff at St. Jude go above and beyond to ensure patient and employee safety throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Read how St. Jude employees collaborate and innovate during this time.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Tracing Martine Roussel’s independent streak from Africa to the National Academy of Sciences
Martine Roussel, PhD, is renowned for investigations into molecular-level causes of cancer and strategies in developing new treatments for pediatric brain tumors. Read about her journey.
-
Chaplain Kimberly Russell uses creative talent to adapt spiritual care board for St. Jude patients
Learn how St. Jude chaplain Kimberly Russell helps non-verbal patients communicate spiritual needs.
-
Welcoming all who enter
Janice Ivory has given out tens of thousands of smiles to the patients, staff and families of St. Jude over the last 32 years.
-
Celebrating Black History Month
We reflect on our heroes: doctors, patients and supporters who have been a part of our lifesaving mission.
-
Journey to the Jude: Inspired by global adventures, postdoc recruiter Deanna Tremblay seeks world-class scientists
Inspired by her global adventures, postdoc recruiter Deanna Tremblay of Academic Programs seeks world-class scientists.
-
Pediatric Cancer Genome Project sparks a decade of discovery
Leaders at St. Jude launched a bold initiative in 2010 to define the genomic landscape of pediatric cancer.
-
‘Tis the season for science: Elf rescue teaches students fun lesson
Patients in the St. Jude School Program used math and science to rescue stranded elves. Discover how they saved the holidays.