In February 1962, when Danny Thomas opened the doors of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for the first time, he was surrounded by children.
They had different racial and ethnic backgrounds. They came from different financial circumstances and practiced different religions. And absolutely none of that would matter if they needed to be treated at St. Jude.
This was Danny’s promise — that a child’s race or creed, or the amount of money their family had in a bank account, would not determine if that child could be treated at St. Jude. And once accepted as a patient, their family would never receive a bill from St. Jude for anything.
This month we celebrate the anniversary of the opening of St. Jude — and a promise kept by each and every one of you who are so passionately committed to our mission.
Danny Thomas believed that no child should be turned away because of their race or creed or how much money their family had in their bank account
Our donors and volunteers are truly the lifeblood of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Without your generosity and dedication, St. Jude could not provide treatment or support the needs of our patient families without charging them.
St. Jude would not be able to pursue the research that has led to an overall survival rate of more than 80% for childhood cancer in this country.
If you did not support St. Jude, we would not have the resources or the confidence to embark on a multi-billion dollar expansion plan that will mean new research and clinical care facilities, housing for more patients and a global initiative that will help children all over the world.
Danny’s guiding belief in building a research hospital that would take on cancer and other life-threatening childhood diseases was that “no child should die in the dawn of life.”
Danny Thomas and his daughter, Marlo Thomas, with a patient
And Danny meant just that — no child, no matter their race or their creed or their finances. And no matter where they happened to live.
There are few words as devastating as those that tell parents their child has cancer. And yet this year, between 180,000 and 240,000 children around the world will be diagnosed with cancer.
For many of them today, it might as well be 1962, the year St. Jude opened, because they will not have access to adequate diagnosis and care.
Even in our own country — with a survival rate of more than 80% — 1 in 5 children diagnosed with cancer will not survive.
This is what your support of St. Jude means — hope for families who had none, research and treatment that is advancing cures for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases, and a chance for children diagnosed with these diseases to survive and grow up.
You are the keepers of Danny’s promise. Thank you.
You, too, can make a difference for St. Jude kids.
Read more inspiring stories
-
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
To mark National Hispanic Heritage Month, St. Jude spotlights the stories of some of our talented Hispanic doctors and scientists.
-
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
To mark 2016 National Hispanic Heritage Month, St. Jude spotlights the stories of some of our talented Hispanic doctors and scientists.
-
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.
-
Sharing a birthday with St. Jude
Five-year-old Della will celebrate her sixth birthday on the same day St. Jude opened its doors in 1962. She wants to mark the occasion by raising money for the kids of St. Jude.
-
‘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.
-
My Corner of the World: Regina Kolaitis, PhD
Scientist turned liaison Regina Kolaitis of the St. Jude Liaison Office explains the breadth and depth of hospital’s research efforts to a non-scientific audience.
-
Physical therapist grateful for her colleagues, opportunities after earning hospital’s highest staff honor
Amanda Curry received the hospital’s highest employee honor for her work with a new mobility program for patients. Discover why she thanks and credits her colleagues.