When Jerrika Hinton played a doctor on the popular TV drama Grey’s Anatomy, viewers may not have known how much of the role was inspired by her own life. Her character — who was motivated to go into healthcare as a result of having sickle cell disease — was loosely based on Hinton’s cousin.
When Hinton visited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as the guest panelist for the annual St. Jude Gold Luncheon, the inspiration continued as the actress was moved by the hospital’s holistic approach to healthcare.
Panel at the 2018 St. Jude Gold Luncheon with actress Jerrika Hinton
“When I got to see more in depth how St. Jude works, I just walked away going, ‘Why isn’t the whole world like this?’” Hinton said at the luncheon, which raises money for St. Jude while celebrating philanthropic women in Memphis and surrounding communities.
Now in its fourth year, the St. Jude Gold Luncheon has raised nearly $250,000, and is in the process of expanding from a regional to national event. This year’s luncheon honored 16 Memphis women, who raised a collective $65,000 for St. Jude in connection with the event. As the guest speaker, Hinton spoke about why she supports St. Jude.
After spending five years playing a character who had sickle cell disease, Hinton found herself inspired by the way St. Jude treats pediatric catastrophic diseases.
“It moves me so deeply, the holistic approach to what health can look like in these circumstances,” Hinton said. “It’s about the patient’s well-being, but it’s also about the family well-being and your spiritual well-being, and how all of those elements really work together and have an effect on the patient and how the treatment succeeds.”
“When I got to see more in depth how St. Jude works, I just walked away going, ‘Why isn’t the whole world like this?’”
After receiving a tour of the hospital, Hinton’s appreciation of St. Jude was strengthened.
“It’s designed with the patients in mind, and that was immediately evident and striking,” Hinton said. “This is what I want for the whole world.”
Help our families focus on their sick child, not medical bills.
When you donate monthly, your gift means families 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.
Read more inspiring stories
-
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.
-
St. Jude Arboretum: How an idea takes root
With 60 different tree species on campus, St. Jude has plans to establish an arboretum on campus.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Bone Marrow Transplant physician treats patients when they need more than the usual options
Ali Suliman, MD, of Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy, treats pediatric cancer patients when the usual therapies no longer work.
-
My Corner of the World: Cesar Villegas, MD
Clinical research associate Cesar Villegas, MD, leads effort to translate educational materials from English into Spanish.
-
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.