As I reflect back on the achievements of 2017 and welcome the promise of a new year, I am reminded that the critical work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is only possible because of the caring hearts and compassion of all of you who support our mission.
It is because of your generosity that we have the resources to continue to learn more about some of the most aggressive forms of childhood cancer — knowledge that could lead to more and better treatments for these diseases.
It is because of your compassion that we can continue our founder’s promise that no family will receive a bill from St. Jude for anything — not for treatment for their child and not for travel, housing or food while they are at St. Jude.
And it is your devotion and passion for our mission that allows us to dream big and take the fight against life-threatening childhood diseases like cancer and sickle cell disease to the next level.
When Danny Thomas founded the hospital in 1962, the overall childhood cancer survival rate was just 20%. Today, that number is more than 80%.
Thanks to you, we are now in the midst of an exciting, multi-billion dollar expansion plan, announced in 2015, that includes research and clinical care facilities, housing for more patients and a global plan that will help children around the world.
And while we have made great progress since opening in 1962 — when the overall childhood survival rate was just 20% — there is still much work to be done. Between 180,000 and 240,000 children across the globe will be diagnosed with cancer this year, many of them without access to adequate treatment or care. And in our own country, one in five children diagnosed with cancer will lose their battle.
The faculty and staff at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are dedicated to changing those statistics, to finding the cures for diseases that threaten the lives of children everywhere. And thanks to the support of generous and caring donors and volunteers like you, St. Jude will continue to lead the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
That is our commitment to desperately ill children around the world — and to those of you who support St. Jude — that we will do all we can, through research and treatment, to save children’s lives. Because one life lost is one too many.
Thank you for all that you do for the kids of St. Jude — and for children everywhere.
You, too, can make a difference for St. Jude kids.
Read more inspiring stories
-
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.
-
Happy Paw-li-days: Elvis the Elf helps Puggle and Huckleberry celebrate the season
Elvis the Elf keeps a watchful eye on the holiday adventures of hospital dogs Puggle and Huckleberry.
-
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.
-
Molecular oncologist Martine F. Roussel, Ph.D., featured in new portrait unveiled at St. Jude
Martine Roussel, Ph.D., is first female researcher at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to receive a commissioned portrait. Read more about her accomplishments.
-
Adoption advocate: Employee shares how St. Jude benefit helped grow her family
Racquel Collins always knew she wanted to adopt. Learn how a hospital benefit eased the process of welcoming her son, Wes, to her family.
-
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.