At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, we have a legacy of doing what is right — not what is easy. From standing against segregation to launching one of the largest sickle cell programs in the country, every stride brings us closer to the day when no child dies in the dawn of life.
Since opening in 1962, St. Jude has cared for thousands of children with sickle cell disease — and today, our Hematology Clinic serves approximately 850 children living with this condition. We were the first in the world to cure sickle cell anemia through a bone marrow transplant, and we continue to lead groundbreaking research and clinical trials to find safer, more accessible cures.
Our legacy is shared: exemplifying strength, resilience, and community. Together, we believe every child deserves the chance to live their best life and celebrate every moment.
Join us on June 20, 2026, at The Wellsley in Chicago, Illinois, for the 2nd annual St. Jude Celebrates: A Legacy of Equity gala, benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Guests will enjoy a signature cocktail hour, delicious dinner provided by Boka, live entertainment, silent auction and inspiring stories from St. Jude patients. St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases like sickle cell.
For information on sponsorship and volunteer opportunities at this year's event, please contact Jennifer Herrera at jennifer.herrera@alsac.stjude.org.
Location
The Wellsley
504 N. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60654
Date and Time
June 20, 2026
5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Attire: Black-tie (optional)
Tickets
Become a sponsor today! Sponsorship packages include brand recognition and other benefits.
St. Jude provides comprehensive care and health equality for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. We tailor treatment for each child's unique needs, improving outcomes for some of the world’s sickest children.
St. Jude patient Bailey sickle cell disease
Become a sponsor
By partnering with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and sponsoring this event, you will align your company name with the strong, nationally recognized St. Jude mission and brand, and instill pride in your employees, consumers, vendors and company executives.
For more information on becoming a sponsor, please contact:
Jennifer Herrera
jennifer.herrera@alsac.stjude.org
Stories from St. Jude
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Making History at St. Jude
When St. Jude opened in 1962, Danny Thomas vowed the hospital would treat patients regardless of race, religion or ability to pay. In 1968, Dr. Rudolph Jackson became one of the first Black doctors at St. Jude.
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World Sickle Cell Day
At St. Jude, sickle cell is more than a disease that gets the spotlight for one day — it's a continuous effort to save children around the world.
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St. Jude provided a foundation to help Courtney live her best life
Meet Courtney Davis, an investment banker on Wall Street, living her best life while managing sickle cell disease. Learn how St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has helped her exceed expectations.
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Born with sickle cell disease, Za’Mya thrives in care of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Mom credits St. Jude for the life her daughter is able to lead and includes its supporters among her family and village.
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With St. Jude on his team, Emmanuel worked hard and kept the faith on the football field
'Root for that guy,' says Emmanuel's high school coach.
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Spurred by the mission and inspired by a trailblazer, Mississippi doctor gives to support St. Jude
As Dr. Rayford learned more about St. Jude — how it had opened as an inclusive hospital in 1962 at the height of civil rights strife in the South and welcomed children regardless of race, and how it employed and promoted doctors, scientists and staff of color, as well — Rayford knew this was a cause that deserved his support.
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St. Jude patient takes her first steps for the second time
St. Jude mom cheers as Eri’Elle learns to walk again
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Georgia family finds 'purpose in the pain' after losing son at St. Jude
A son’s legacy and a family’s life-saving mission come together in Joshua’s Wish, raising thousands for the St. Jude brain tumor program.
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St. Jude continues to chart progress in how to understand and treat sickle cell disease
Pioneering work in St. Jude labs provides "promising" path to a cure using gene editing.
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... could help provide chemotherapy IV tubing sets*
A $100 donation could provide five chemotherapy IV tubing sets sized especially to help children receive treatment.*
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... could help provide one day of oxygen for a St. Jude patient*
During treatment, St. Jude patients may need oxygen to help their bodies function properly and aid in healing.
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... could help provide 20 days of meals for a St. Jude patient*
St. Jude provides patients and their families with meal cards for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Kay Kafe, the hospital’s cafeteria.
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… could help provide 7 sets of school supplies for St. Jude patients*
Many patients can keep attending school after diagnosis and during treatment. These patients may need accommodations or other services to help them succeed.
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… could help provide 9 hours of physical therapy for St. Jude patients*
Children with life-threatening diseases may develop physical impairments as a result of their illness or treatments. Physical therapy can help St. Jude patients improve strength, balance, flexibility and coordination.
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… could help provide 18 chest x-rays, one view*
X-rays are imaging tests that take pictures of the inside of the body. Doctors use X-rays to help diagnose and monitor a St. Jude patient’s treatment.
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Support of our mission
Any amount supports kids around the world. St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save even more children.*
* Your donation will be used to provide breakthrough research, treatment and cures. Items listed here are representative of services and supplies that are part of the treatment and care of children at St. Jude. The cost of each item or service is an approximation, and will vary based on actual costs incurred and individual patient needs. Your donation will be used for the general operating needs of St. Jude, where no family ever receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food.
Get Involved Locally
Click below to find additional events, volunteer opportunities and more ways to connect with St. Jude supporters in Chicago.
