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.
-
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.
-
Working together: Mother and daughter nurses bond at St. Jude
In observance of Mother’s Day May 13 and National Nurses Week May 6–12, St. Jude nurses Margie and Kallen Kjellin share their story.
-
Administrative professionals provide dedicated support to St. Jude departments
The more than 150 administrative professionals at St. Jude offer unparalleled support to keep their departments running smoothly. Three longtime admins share their stories.
-
MRI technologist is inspired throughout career at St. Jude
With a strong support system of women in her life, Mary Jo Freeman has advanced from a hopeful student to a seasoned MRI specialist. Find out about her journey at St. Jude.
-
Dr. Sheila Moore on breaking barriers and giving back
Sheila Moore, MD, began her medical career at a time when men dominated the field. More than five decades later, she reflects on her barrier-breaking career as a pediatric hematologist-oncologist in the South.
-
Moving science forward
Inspired by female scientists, Shondra Miller, PhD, is focused on pushing science’s boundaries.
-
Losing my best friend to cancer led me to a career in science
Research Tech Hailey Skonhovd honors her childhood friend’s memory by pursuing a scientific career.
-
Do what you put your mind to
Tangie Thomas, VP of Clinical Operations, talks about persistence and motivation in her career.
-
Beyond the margins
James' brother, Eddie, helped care for him while he was receiving treatment at St. Jude. Today, Eddie's still involved through International Paper's commitment to the hospital.
-
The story behind the picture
Before the iconic image of a patient and St. Jude founder Danny Thomas made its way into a commercial, it sat in the treasured home of that patient's sister.
-
Giving back to say thanks
The beginnings of St. Jude are more than just a compelling story for one family of Dream Home builders — it's a mirror of their own lives.
-
Strong reason to run
A teen wanted to make running a marathon meaningful and memorable while challenging himself. So he picked a charity he knew would motivate him — St. Jude.
-
Little Minden leads the way
For decades, the residents of a small town in Louisiana have made it their life's work to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude.
-
Drumming around the clock
The students from Bel Air High School streamed a 24-hour-straight performance to help give families the gift of more time.
-
St. Jude Spirit of the Dream celebrates Dr. King’s legacy
St. Jude Spirit of the Dream celebrated Black History Month, and commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Memphis sanitation workers’ strike that brought Dr. King to Memphis.
