At the start of a new year, as I reflect on the achievements of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in 2016 and look ahead to the promise of 2017, I'm reminded once again that fulfilling our mission is only possible with support from friends like you.
In the last year, our scientists and doctors continued to lead the fight against childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases, with new discoveries that could improve treatment for certain leukemias and brain tumors. Our patient care remained unparalleled with the opening of three remarkable new inpatient floors in the Kay Research and Care Center at St. Jude, designed completely with our families in mind. The care and creativity involved in planning these floors can be seen in the colorful, interactive and comfortable space that puts the needs of patients and families first.
On a more personal level, this past year marked incredible rites of passage for many of our patients, whether they were graduating from kindergarten or attending their first prom. We welcomed St. Jude survivors back to campus, as we do every year, to celebrate their lives with our wonderful Survivors Day event. We also joined St. Jude patients like Shon in recognizing personal milestones. We’ll never forget the night that Shon’s lifelong dream came true — and he returned to St. Jude to hear his name called in the draft of the National Football League.
Looking ahead to 2017 emphasizes how important the contributions of all of our donors and volunteers are to these accomplishments. It will cost nearly $1 billion to operate St. Jude this year, and more than 75 percent of that cost is covered by individual contributions produced by our fundraising programs. Every contribution counts as St. Jude makes progress in its bold vision to double the number of children in St. Jude-led clinical trials and expand the number of new cancer patients treated at St. Jude by 20 percent over the next several years.
As we begin this new year, I challenge all of us to take stock of our opportunities to touch the lives of others and resolve to use this year to make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Perhaps you can make this the year you become a St. Jude Hero and raise funds and awareness for our work while participating in a half marathon, marathon or other fitness event. Or you can become a St. Jude Partner In Hope and pledge monthly support to St. Jude. No matter what your resolution is, you will make a real difference in the lives of St. Jude kids because dedicated donors and volunteers are the lifeblood of our mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®
On behalf of all the patients, families and staff of St. Jude, thank you for your commitment and best wishes for a blessed and happy New Year.
You, too, can make a difference for St. Jude kids.
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Journey to the Jude: Lyudmila Tsurkan, PhD, Hematology, Kazakhstan
St. Jude lead researcher Lyudmila Tsurkan of Hematology smiles when recalling her childhood in the central Asian nation of Kazakhstan.
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Journey to the Jude: Augustine Ntah, Security, Cameroon
Ntah said his welcoming personality stems from his heritage, of which he is immensely proud. He thinks of St. Jude as an extension of his homeland, the central African country of Cameroon.
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Journey to the Jude: Besian Sejdiu, Structural Biology, Kosovo
Sejdiu is proud to serve an organization that is a locally, nationally and internationally respected driving force in research, pediatrics and employee recruitment.
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Veteran mechanic reflects on fatherhood, St. Jude experiences
Former U.S. Army diesel mechanic Dennis Hart has served four years as a maintenance mechanic at St. Jude and says he loves working here because of the positive atmosphere.
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St. Jude kindergarteners celebrate resilience and recess at 2023 graduation
In the 15th year of kindergarten graduations, St. Jude Imagine Academy by Chili’s kindergarteners were honored as part of a virtual ceremony.
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St. Jude high school seniors graduate with ambition and gratitude
In the 17th year of high school graduations at St. Jude, St. Jude Imagine Academy by Chili’s honored this year’s graduates during the annual high school commencement.
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Journey to the Jude: Hamda Khan, Hematology, Pakistan
As a medical anthropologist, Hamda Khan studies various social determinants that contribute to the health of patients with chronic illnesses. Learn more about her journey to St. Jude.
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Mother admires daughter’s journey from St. Jude patient to employee
Mother and daughter bond over their time from patient family to employees at St. Jude.
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Mother and daughter nurses continue to flourish at St. Jude
Mother and daughter nurses continue to flourish at St. Jude
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Pawt of the family: New facility dog repawts for duty at St. Jude
Read about Rose, the newest member of the Paws at Play program at St. Jude.
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Plan in Progress: St. Jude celebrates first year of telehealth services in Tupelo
St. Jude is celebrating a successful first year of providing telehealth services for children with chronic hematological diseases in North Mississippi. Read the story.
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Doggone cute: St. Jude is paw-leased to welcome employees Snuggle and CC
Read about Snuggle and CC, the two newest facility dogs who are enhancing the patient experience at St. Jude.
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Being A Father is Everything for St. Jude Patient Dad Chris
When Chris' son Calvin got a devastating diagnosis, it was the lifesaving mission of St. Jude that helped ensure his family remained intact.
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A St. Jude volunteer “meet cute” leads to engagement
Jordan Watson and Kelly Quiroz met at St. Jude while volunteering and recently got engaged to marry.
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Father’s Day: St. Jude employees share stories of inspiration
To commemorate Father's Day, read four stories of four St. Jude employees who have the unique experience of calling their fathers colleagues.