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.
-
Software engineer finds cutting-edge success at St. Jude
Learn how Memphian Clay McLeod stayed home to pursue a cutting-edge software engineering career.
-
Building a career at the intersection of science and technology
Learn how Hongjian Jin’s interest in science and technology spawned a career as a bioinformatics research scientist.
-
Black Panther author Jesse Holland visits St. Jude
Jesse Holland, author of a novel based on the Black Panther, visited St. Jude patients and talked with them about comic books, superheroes and his life story.
-
The road to a cure on two wheels
When Cade was diagnosed with cancer, an entire town rallied to fundraise money for St. Jude, one motorcycle at a time.
-
Santa’s Workshop brings holiday cheer
Dollar General's partnership is giving patients and families an opportunity to experience a bit of the holiday spirit while they spend time away from home.
-
A remarkable journey: U.S. Air Force veteran to scientist to grad school dean
Learn how Air Force veteran Racquel Collins launched her scientific career from the skills she developed during her service.
-
Dr. Jessie Morgan gains new perspective on her work at St. Jude after cancer diagnosis
It’s been a year since Dr. Jessie Morgan earned she had cancer. She comes to work as a staff scientist with a new appreciation for her work, her family and for life.
-
Wishes from Grey's Anatomy star
When actress Jerrika Hinton visited as a guest panelist for the annual St. Jude Gold Luncheon, she was inspired and moved by the hospital's holistic approach to healthcare.
-
When gamers play, St. Jude kids win
Since 2014, the video gaming community has banded together to raise more than $10 million through St. Jude PLAY LIVE.
-
Jessica Meuse, idol and hero
American Idol finalist Jessica Meuse found a new passion and purpose for running, and for supporting the lifesaving mission of St. Jude.
-
Kids helping kids
St. Jude supporters like seven-year-old Connor prove that individuals of any age can make a positive impact for childhood cancer research.
-
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
To mark 2018 National Hispanic Heritage Month, St. Jude is honoring some our dedicated Hispanic employees with St. Jude Global. Learn more about their work.
-
St. Jude patient family helps organize walk/run
A St. Jude patient's parents in Oregon help organize the inaugural Portland St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer.
-
Beyond par for the course
St. Jude patients had the chance to play with pro golfers at the Danny Thomas Pro-Am earlier this summer, and came away with plenty of memories.
-
A force to be reckoned with
Puerto Rico hosts the St. Jude Fore the Kids golf tournament, but when Hurricane Maria threatened the annual event, a dedicated team of supporters would stop at nothing to carry it through.
