Celebrating International Day of Families

Join us in celebrating International Day of Families on May 15 by learning what the day is about, how to celebrate and how you can support families experiencing childhood cancer. When you support St. Jude, you help make cures possible.

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Eri'Elle with her family

St. Jude patient Eri'Elle with her family

 
 
St. Jude patient Franser with his sister playing with a touchscreen device.
St. Jude patient Ella sits on her mom's lap as they both laugh.

St. Jude patient Ella with her mom
 

What is International Day of Families?

International Day of Families is a worldwide celebration of families and their importance, with the aim of raising awareness for economic and social issues.

When is International Day of Families?

International Day of Families, also referred to as World Family Day, falls on May 15 each year. 

 
 

International Day of Families history 

Who created the International Day of Families?

In the early 1980s, the United Nations (UN) Commission for Social Development began an awareness campaign for family-related issues including poverty, disability and racism. Shortly thereafter, the Economic and Social Council began to push for resolutions to these issues in the UN’s ongoing agenda.

About a decade after the initiative began, the General Assembly established May 15 as the annual International Day of Families in 1993. 

Why do we celebrate International Day of Families?

At St. Jude, we understand the importance of family. We recognize that families are a critical support systems that children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases need. We also understand that depending on a child’s location and economic status, these circumstances can lead to a family’s financial hardship, among other issues. That’s why families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.

 
 
Patient Avyan with his dad

St. Jude patient Avyan with his dad
 
Patient Khaz with his parents

St. Jude patient Khaz with his family
 
Patient Aria with her mom

St. Jude patient Aria with her mom
 

How to celebrate International Day of Families

 

Spend meaningful time with the people you care about 

One way to celebrate International Day of Families is to spend time with the people you care about. This can be as simple as getting together to share a meal or play a board game. You might also consider planning a day trip or doing an activity that you enjoy as a group.

This can also be used as an opportunity to support your local communities through volunteering or charity work as a team.

 

Spread the word about International Day of Families

International Day of Families is also the perfect time to spread awareness and provide support for families who may be struggling. Set aside time to see what programs are available in your area for families in need, and find out how you and your family may be able to help. This can be anything from hosting a clothing or food drive to serving meals to sharing information about these programs so the information is more accessible.

 

Make donations to support families in need 

Another way to make an impact for families in need is to donate. To make the biggest possible impact with your donation, be sure to properly research charities that interest you. Once you’ve chosen a charity (or two) to support, check in with the charity or your employer to see if they offer a company matching gift program! Doing these simple tasks can help ensure that the impact of your donation is maximized, supporting even more families.

When you donate to St. Jude, you help change the lives of children and families experiencing childhood cancer. 

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Volunteer to support families in need 

If you are looking for a hands-on way to support families in need, your opportunities are endless. Consider looking for local programs to provide shelter, financial support, food, clothing, translation services, transportation services, child care and health care services to see where you and your family may be able to lend a hand.

See Volunteer Opportunities

 
 
Patient Charlie with his family

St. Jude patient Charlie with his family
 

How your donation makes a difference to St. Jude families 

Every child deserves a chance to live their best life and celebrate every moment. When you support St. Jude, you can help make cures possible for kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

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Medical treatment icon.
 

Give $10

Your $10 gift could help provide a new toy for hospital play areas or recreational areas at St. Jude housing facilities.*

 
 
 
Phisical therapy icon.
 

Give $25

Your $25 gift could help cover the cost of a No More Chemo party.*

 
 
 
Food for patients icon.
 

Give $55

Your $55 gift could help provide the cost of 15 thermometers. *

 
 
 

* 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, lodging, travel or food.

 
 

Why support St. Jude?

When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80% in the United States and we won't stop until no child dies from cancer.

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International Day of Families FAQs

 

  1. The symbol of International Family Day is a green circle with a red picture consisting of abstract aspects of a heart and a home icon.

  2. Separate from International Day of Families, National Family Day is recognized in the U.S. on September 22 each year. 

 
 
 

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