Thank you for joining 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 powerful evening honored the 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.
Matching gifts are an easy way to increase your donation to St. Jude — at no additional cost to you! Many employers support your altruistic efforts by offering matching gift programs to your favorite charities. Check if your employer will match your gift to St. Jude or contact us at matchinggifts@stjude.org.
For information on sponsorship or volunteer opportunities at next year's event, contact Carrie Williams at carrie.williams@alsac.stjude.org.
St. Jude patient Bailey
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
Choose the right planned gift for you
St. Jude patient Han, pictured with family
IRA charitable contributions
If you're 70 ½ or older, you can contribute to St. Jude from your IRA and potentially receive tax benefits. You can have your IRA administrator use our sample letter.
St. Jude patient Nora Kay
Donor-advised funds
You can recommend a grant from your donor-advised fund by calling your fund manager or by signing in to your granting institution and selecting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
St. Jude patient Maelin-Kate
Gifts of stock
When gifting stock, you can reference our transfer form, or call us at (800) 395-4341 to inform us of your gift, so we can properly acknowledge your gift and provide you with a tax receipt.
St. Jude patient Franser
Charitable gift annuities
Charitable gift annuities may interest you if you want to transfer cash or securities to St. Jude and receive lifetime payments for yourself or a loved one.
Thank you to our committee
Nick Chidsey • Marisa Hamm-Malanowski • Josh & Joey Heinrich • Ashley Kappelman • Sarah Ruane • Jessica Schultz • Elizabeth Souder • Maggie Streb • Allison Waters
Thank you to our sponsors
Hope Sponsor
Dream Sponsor
Cerris
Flooring & More
Mike & Allison Waters
Sarah and Thomas Ruane
Streb Family
UMB
Thank you to our Print Sponsor, J&J Printing
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.
Get involved locally
Find additional events, volunteer opportunities and more ways to connect with St. Jude supporters in Kansas City, Omaha, Wichita, Topeka and all of Mid-America.
