Join us on Saturday, August 1, 2026, for the 49th annual St. Jude Telethon, televised live from the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, Illinois. For 49 years, the St. Jude Telethon has served as the culminating event for Central and Southern Illinois’ year-round fundraising campaigns. It features check presentations from fundraising events and serves as the finish line for the St. Jude Runs program.
The St. Jude Telethon live broadcast is hosted by WEEK 25 News and is supported by sponsors and VIPs who will answer live calls during the broadcast in support of the mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving children.® Everywhere.
For more information on event details, partnership opportunities or other ways to get involved with the telethon, contact Megan Aeschliman at megan.aeschliman@alsac.stjude.org.
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.
Date and Time
Saturday, August 1, 2026
6:30 p.m. CT
Contact
For more information on event details, partnership opportunities, or other ways to get involved with the Telethon, contact Megan Aeschliman at megan.aeschliman@alsac.stjude.org or (309) 210-7782.
St. Jude patient Liliana and her family
Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped push the U.S. childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80%. Yet, around the world, about 1 in 5 will survive. That’s why we’re helping make lifesaving treatments available to more children in more places — because where they live shouldn’t determine if they live.
St. Jude patient Liliana and her family
Event Chairs
James and Martha Ingold • John Kocher • Sherry Semonis • Annette Slyman • Eric Shane
Peoria Committee
Mark and Leah Day • James Fisher • Erin Hunsley • John and Kelli Janssen • Sue Kelley • Dave Lennie • Jennifer Mathews • Mike McCoy • Brian Pickerill • Ryan Pierson • Steve and Kelly Shaw • Matt Smutz • Nicole Sudholt
St. Jude stories from Central Illinois
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Hunter ran his race with “faith, courage and joy,” so bereaved dad runs St. Jude Memphis Marathon to honor his son
John Grusy hopes his family fundraising will help find a cure for childhood cancer.
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For baseball player Patrick Wisdom, supporting St. Jude is ‘bigger than the game’
Chicago Cubs' Patrick Wisdom, nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award, is celebrated for his support of St. Jude and his bond with young patients like Braxton.
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Seeds of goodness planted today could flourish tomorrow
Grace, a St. Jude leukemia survivor, shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery, highlighting the impact of St. Jude and her mission to give back.
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15-year-old soccer player celebrates being home from St. Jude with those who cared most: her entire Illinois town
Through a series of kind acts, Tessa’s hometown showed her she was out of sight, but never out of mind during cancer treatment.
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A lifetime of giving leads to a legacy of hope
Jackie Rewert’s eyes sparkle as she describes her husband Paul’s philanthropic heart. Inspired by a personal loss, Paul supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a mission that has become a significant part of their lives. Together, they contribute to a cause that brings hope and healing to children and families in need.
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Peoria Proud
You’d be hard-pressed to find a place more in step with St. Jude than the Illinois city behind the Memphis to Peoria Run. It started small — a handful of runners, a motorhome, a couple of vans and a crazy notion. Today, it's raised $56.2 million in its history.
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Women Who Inspire: Kate Foster
A competitive gymnast, training 20 hours weekly, Kate tried to reckon having to give up the sport. She’d started at 7 and loved it. But then her coach called: “I’ve never taught a one-legged gymnast before, but I’m willing to try if you are.” She gave Kate hope.
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90-year-old Dean Troutman’s walk for St. Jude ends Saturday, but he wants you to keep going
Fans of the Princeville, Illinois, resident have kept pace with his positivity and desire to do good. Now he asks them not to stop.
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Illinois child survives rare cancer at St. Jude, returns to build garden where hope grows
Years after St. Jude saved his life, Jeremiah Godby returned to campus and saw the need for an outdoor space for spiritual healing. Then he helped make it happen.
Get involved locally
Find additional events, volunteer opportunities and more ways to connect with St. Jude supporters in Peoria, Bloomington-Normal and across Central and Southern Illinois.
