Join us on Saturday, October 3, 2026, for an unforgettable event, Kansas City Inspire: An Evening for St. Jude – a celebration of courage, progress and the many joyful milestones made possible by the lifesaving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This unforgettable evening will honor the powerful moments that define a child’s journey, from birthdays and graduations to the completion of treatment. These milestones are more than personal victories; they are symbols of hope, resilience, and the impact of a community untied in purpose.
St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Our purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children®. The impact of this mission reaches families here in Kansas City, across the nation and around the globe through groundbreaking research and partnerships that advance care for children everywhere.
At St. Jude, every breakthrough brings hope — and every milestone is worth celebrating. Even in the face of challenges, these joyful moments are made possible by the unwavering support of people like you. For children, each milestone marks a powerful chapter in their journey.
Let’s come together to celebrate these milestones and continue fueling the lifesaving mission of St. Jude – so families everywhere can experience more reasons to celebrate.
For information on sponsorship or volunteer opportunities at this year's event, contact Carrie Williams at carrie.williams@alsac.stjude.org.
Date and Time
Saturday, October 3, 2026
5:30 p.m.
Attire: Formal
Guest are invited to showcase the celebratory theme of the evening by wearing bright colors.
Tickets and Sponsorships
Become a sponsor today! Sponsorship packages include a reserved table, 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 Misheel
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:
Carrie Williams
carrie.williams@alsac.stjude.org
Thank you to our committee
Nick Chidsey • Marisa Hamm-Malanowski • Josh & Joey Heinrich • Ashley Kappelman • Jessica Schultz • Elizabeth Souder • Maggie Streb • Allison Waters
See more stories from St. Jude:
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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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More than 10 years after a cancer diagnosis, an independent St. Jude patient is ready to ‘fly’
Kayla’s mom worried a cancer diagnosis and treatment that followed would change the person her daughter was meant to be.
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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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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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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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Like learning to walk, ‘I just always knew about St. Jude’
Through workplace, family and fraternity, David McKinney has been a lifelong supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Now, he’s encouraging his 6-year-old son to join the mission.
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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.
Other ways you can get involved:
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Donor-advised funds
Support lifesaving research at St. Jude by granting from your donor-advised fund (DAF). DAFS are flexible, tax-smart giving accounts that allow you to help make a lasting impact.
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Employer donation-match
Find out if you can double the impact of your donation to St. Jude through your employer's matching gifts program.
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Explore online auctions
Learn about online charity auctions and bid on events, collector’s items and more to give back to St. Jude.