Spending Christmas away from home is never easy for anyone. On top of that, after an intense day of treatments and emotional decisions, there’s nothing better for the families of St. Jude than to sit down at the dinner table as a family and forget about the difficult journey, even for a brief moment. It is for that reason alone that few events at St. Jude unite so many families like the delicious Cuban-style Christmas dinner prepared year after year by author and chef Adrianne Calvo for the kids and families of St. Jude.
“Cooking is definitely my passion, but when you’re helping to bring a smile to a patient and their family at St. Jude, it’s truly cooking with heart,” said Calvo. “To cook them a traditional Cuban dinner is my way of bringing them a little slice of home.”
Patients like Ashley couldn’t keep from smiling at the abundance of traditional delicacies, like roast pork, pork rinds, tostones, plantains and creamy flan. One patient’s grandmother returned to the long line for a second time just to express her gratitude to the chef, telling her it’s been such a long time since she’s tasted something so delicious.
Chef Calvo with St. Jude patient Ashley and her siblings
The St. Jude cause is something near and dear to the heart of Chef Calvo, who knows what it’s like to have a loved one with cancer. Several years ago, Calvo lived through the tragedy of losing her sister to cancer. From that moment, the chef decided to support St. Jude. This past holiday season marked Chef Calvo’s 11th visit to St. Jude to share her Christmas dinner.
“The reason why I return, really, is because of the kids and families. It’s an unforgettable experience – after working all day to organize it for them, to see them happy to receive that meal, or simply hear a child tell you that the food reminds them of spending time at grandma’s house. Something like that is incredible.”
This Mother's Day, our St. Jude families depend on supporters like you
When you support St. Jude, families, like Ashley's, never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
-
Longtime employee shares story of personal, family military service
Seven years of U.S. Navy service helped prepare veteran Yvonne Carroll for her role as director of hematology patient services. Read her story.
-
St. Jude talent experience advisor extends hospitality to job candidates and their families
From hospitality to human resources: Linda Smith of Human Resources changed careers to help St. Jude advance its mission.
-
Respiratory therapists are vital part of patient care
Respiratory therapists are emergency responders who assist patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. Learn more about their role
-
St. Jude employee’s journey inspires new adoption benefit
With the help of the St. Jude Adoption Assistance Program, Child Life specialist Ashley Carr adopted her daughter, Nora, in 2017.
-
Physician assistant helps teen sickle cell patients navigate through treatment
Paul Lavoie helps prepare sickle cell patients for the transition to adult care. Learn why his role is important to patients’ long-term health.
-
A well-placed edit: Scientific Editor changed career plans
From bench scientist to scientific editor: Vani Shanker, PhD, of Scientific Editing revised her career plans.
-
Doggy duo a perfect match for St. Jude
St. Jude hospital dogs have been training for their new roles since birth. Learn about how they were chosen for their work.
-
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
To mark 2019 National Hispanic Heritage Month, St. Jude is honoring some our dedicated Hispanic employees. Learn more about their work.
-
Paws at Play: St. Jude welcomes furry, four-legged colleagues
St. Jude child life specialists welcome Puggle and Huckleberry, the hospital’s newest employees. Read more about their journey and St. Jude Paws at Play.
-
Child Life specialist puts kids at ease
Amy Kennedy helps patients navigate difficult moments. Read about the child life specialist’s role at St. Jude.
-
Physician leads team’s effort to address patient safety
Hana Hakim leads program to ensure healthy, safe environment for patients, families and staff.
-
Michael Moloney Designs for the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway
Michael showcases his interior design work in different houses for the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway each year.
-
St. Jude LIFE Biostatistician Plays to Win in Pediatric Cancer Fight
Biostatistician Deo “Kumar” Srivastava helps researchers analyze St. Jude LIFE data.
-
Audiovisual technician delves into the science of sound
Eddy Garcia grew up surrounded by sound. Learn how his music career led to a role at St. Jude.
-
Clinical pharmacist’s career path winds to St. Jude
Clinical pharmacist Melissa Bourque dispenses the details of how her career in medicine took shape. Read more about her path to St. Jude.