Danny's gratitude: The reason we are here

Danny Thomas receives a hug from a St. Jude patient
 
 

During this time of year, we reflect on what we give thanks for. But did you know that the spirit of gratitude is the reason that St. Jude Children's Research Hospital came to be?

 

As a young man, our founder Danny Thomas had a simple goal: to entertain people and be successful enough at it to provide for his wife and family. But work wasn’t easy to come by.

Unsure of his life’s direction, the struggling entertainer sought guidance from St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless causes.

Danny asked the saint to “help me find my way in life, and I will build you a shrine.”

Danny Thomas
Danny Thomas prepares to unveil the statue of St. Jude Thaddeus.

Danny Thomas prepares to unveil the statue of St. Jude Thaddeus.

Success followed Danny’s plea, and soon after, he set about fulfilling his vow to St. Jude. The result was St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

St. Jude opened its doors in 1962.

St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate for childhood cancer from 20% when we first opened our doors to 80% today. We won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.

 

During this season of Thanks and Giving, the Thomas family continues to reflect on that spirit of gratitude with this simple message: "Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not."

Give to help more kids live.

This holiday season, give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not. 

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