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
-
Do what you put your mind to
Tangie Thomas, VP of Clinical Trials Operations, talks about persistence and motivation in her career.
-
My Corner of the World: Lorena Loa-Martinez and Miriam “Maria” Loa Velasquez
Read how Miriam "Maria" Loa Velasquez and Lorena Loa-Martinez, natives of Escolásticas, Mexico, perform culinary work with rhythm and grace.
-
Curing SCID: The People Behind the Process
Learn how Jolanta "Jola" Dowdy helped St. Jude researchers cure X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID-X1), a rare genetic disorder.
-
It takes a village
Each year, Bob and Mickie carry on their former spouses' love for St. Jude. Read how their community rallies behind them for St. Jude kids.
-
Chef Calvo brings hope and smiles through food
Every year, the renowned chef Adrianne Calvo prepares a Cuban-styled Christmas dinner for St. Jude families, filling their stomachs and their hearts.
-
Medical interpreter brings words to life for St. Jude families
Medical interpreter Guillermo Umbria bridges the language gap for Spanish-speaking patients and families at St. Jude. Learn more about how he brings words to life.
-
Network infrastructure engineer knows value of being well-connected
As a network infrastructure engineer, Behrooz Oliasani knows the value of being well-connected. Discover more about how he keeps computer networks communicating.
-
St. Jude family starts community garden to share the bounty
Pay-what-you-will organic garden in Illinois nourishes the community and raises funds for St. Jude.
-
Broadcasting hope in all directions
Miguel Esparza has devoted years to helping St. Jude through the Promesa y Esperanza® program and continues to inspire those around him.
-
A masterful journey: Shaloo Puri’s global work leads her to St. Jude
Learn how Shaloo Puri’s life experiences led to the master’s program in global child health at the St. Jude Graduate School.
-
Anesthesia tech draws inspiration from patients, staff members
Learn how working at St. Jude is an inspirational experience for Geno Neville.
-
Food Services creates 5-Star Academy to sharpen staff members’ culinary skills
Learn how St. Jude invests in employees through the creation of a culinary academy.
-
Building professional relationships with Chara Stewart Abrams
Learn more about how building strong relationships helped Chara Stewart Abrams overcome obstacles and improve operational efficiencies.
-
Making connections: Letita Aaron links employees with colleagues, community
Learn how a human resources professional connects employees with each other and the community.
-
Research bridges two continents for oncologist turned researcher
Read how a pediatrician turned researcher is influencing childhood brain tumor treatment
