As a little girl growing up in the mountains of Virginia, Grace Ruble decided that she wanted something very special for her 16th birthday.
A television commercial about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital that Grace saw when she was 9 made such an impact on her that she resolved to mark her 16th birthday by giving toys to the children being treated at St. Jude. “That was my birthday wish, and my mom and dad and community and friends all made sure it came true,” Grace said.
She and her family — including her parents, grandparents and sister — recently made the 12-hour drive from their home in Bluefield, Virginia, to Memphis, where they delivered half a van-load of toys and more than $6,000 raised by Grace’s family and community. And they did it on her 16th birthday.
“This is something she has wanted to do for years,” said her father, Billy Ruble. “We finally got it all to come together.”
A sophomore at Graham High School in Bluefield, Grace plays volleyball and plans to be a lawyer when she grows up. She said she's grateful to everyone who made her birthday wish come true and hopes to continue supporting St. Jude in college through the collegiate fundraising program, Up ‘Til Dawn.
To encourage contributions before the trip, the family hosted a pig roast and cookout that featured local musical entertainment. People donated toys at the event and at other locations around Bluefield, which has a population of about 5,400.
Grace, center, with her friends at a pig roast and cookout she hosted to benefit St. Jude.
After years of waiting and planning to visit St. Jude, Grace was very excited to see the hospital. “It was more than what I expected,” she said. “All the artwork on the walls and everything so bright and everybody looked happy.”
During her tour, Grace found the ABC’s of Cancer Wall especially moving. This display of 26 pieces of art work, created by St. Jude patients, offers different perspectives on living with cancer. In this alphabet, H is for hope, G is for getting medicine and W is for warrior.
“That made me cry,” Grace said. “It touched my heart.”
If you want to share your birthday with the kids of St. Jude, visit Birthdays for St. Jude to learn more.
You, too, can help give hope to kids who are fighting life-threatening illnesses.
Read more inspiring stories
-
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.
-
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.