Fifty-four years ago this month, our founder, Danny Thomas, opened the doors to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
A very special diverse group of children joined him — these children represented Danny’s promise that race, religion and financial circumstances would never be a factor in whether a child was treated at St. Jude.
I am often reminded of the lasting impact of Danny’s vision for St. Jude at this time of year. Not only do we mark the anniversary of the founding of St. Jude, but this year, we also note the 25th anniversary of the passing of our founder. And we take time to honor the extraordinary contributions of St. Jude to desegregation in Memphis during Black History Month.
When you think about it, Danny’s promise truly set St. Jude apart from most other institutions at that time, especially in the segregated South. This was a promise that was proudly and boldly kept by all of us, from those who first raised money to build this hospital, to everyone who so generously supports our lifesaving mission today.
So many of you — from all walks of life and all races, religions and creeds — have become an essential part of our St. Jude family. Your caring and generosity keep Danny’s promise alive, funding groundbreaking research into cures and world-class care for our patients whose families will never receive a bill from St. Jude for anything.
But we won’t rest on this powerful legacy. St. Jude doctors and scientists are committed to finding cures for cancer, sickle cell disease and other diseases that threaten the lives of children, as well as enhancing the quality of life for survivors.
We can all make a difference in this important work. Thank you to everyone who participated earlier this month in our inaugural St. Jude Spirit of the Dream event, honoring Black History Month, and those who are a part of our St. Jude Sunday of Hope campaign. I sincerely hope that you all will explore the many ways you can get involved and support our lifesaving mission.
On behalf of everyone at St. Jude, thank you for all you do for the kids of St. Jude.
You, too, can make a difference for St. Jude kids.
-
Yavette Gray: Cancer survivor raises cancer awareness for research and emotional support
During National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week, read Yavette Gray’s story of cancer survivorship.
-
Surgeon’s path of communal goodwill leads to global impact
Surgeon Hafeez Abdelhafeez’s passion leads him to improving others’ lives on a global scale. Read his story.
-
Out of this world: Physician assistant takes her St. Jude perspective to space
Physician assistant Hayley Arceneaux is a childhood cancer survivor at the hospital that saved her life. Now she’s on her way to space. Read her story.
-
Doctors’ Day: St. Jude physicians share common goals
Read how St. Jude physicians are able to provide the best care for their patients.
-
“The Chief” Allan Granoff, PhD, a pioneer of translational pediatric research at St. Jude
St. Jude remembers Allan Granoff, a founding father of the pediatric research hospital.
-
St. Jude recognizes Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month. St. Jude celebrates the achievements of our female faculty, scientists and administrators. Read their stories and learn more.
-
Journey to the Jude: Heather Brandt, PhD, works to steer HPV vaccination rates in right direction
Heather Brandt, PhD, joined the hospital last summer to lead the hospital’s new HPV Cancer Prevention Program. Learn how her career’s work will help guide this important initiative.
-
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.