Volunteers will do just about anything to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, but few fundraising events can match the visual splash of the annual Duncan-Williams St. Jude Dragon Boat Races on the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tenn. (where St. Jude is located).
The sight of those sleek, colorful, 42-foot-long dragon boats with teams of 20 paddlers each (which also consists of one drummer and one steerer) has become a Mother’s Day tradition in Memphis.
Former St. Jude patients gathering at the tent before the start of the race
This year’s event attracted 50 boats and 1,000 paddlers, who collectively raised $209,000 — setting event records for participation and proceeds. More than $400,000 has been raised over the past three years.
A team of former St. Jude patients formed a team at the 2018 Duncan-Williams St. Jude Dragon Boat Races.
Joining the collection of river-faring rowers was a team of St. Jude survivors, captained by Joel Alsup, who lost his right arm to cancer in 1988 at age 7, and today is a supervisor in Creative Media Services for ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude.
Former St. Jude patient Joel Alsup with nurse Lisa Walters, MSN, RN, APRN, FNP-BC
The annual races, part of a day of activities that includes music, food trucks and children’s activities, are for novices and veterans alike.
No experience is necessary, and anyone can register to join an existing team or form a new one. Team entry fees generally include coaching and equipment.
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Genetic counselors: Putting together the pieces
Genetic counselors focus on the whole family, working with patients, siblings and parents to determine if testing is needed and what risks and benefits are involved.
-
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.
-
A humbling experience
A hospital tour of St. Jude changed one woman's life forever. Find out how she used her inspiration to benefit the children of St. Jude.
-
My Corner of the World: Cesar Villegas, MD
Clinical research associate Cesar Villegas, MD, leads effort to translate educational materials from English into Spanish.