St. Jude patient Noah, with his mom
What is World Laughter Day?
Founded by Dr. Madan Kataria in 1998, World Laughter Day is a celebration of laughter and joy. World Laughter Day is based on the idea that when people are happier, they spread that positivity to others.
When is World Laughter Day?
World Laughter Day is the first Sunday in May. This year, World Laughter Day is Sunday May 3, 2026.
How to celebrate World Laughter Day
Regular, everyday laughter can release stress, bolster the immune system, improve mood and more. And that’s something to celebrate! This World Laughter Day, you might want to:
- watch a funny movie or TV show
- go to a comedy show
- tell jokes or make up your own
- host a game night with friends
- have a funny photoshoot
However you mark the occasion, spread joy to those around you!
St. Jude patient Declynn, with her mom
Why laughter matter for St. Jude kids
Declynn was just 19 months old when her cancer diagnosis came out of the blue. Her mom took her to the pediatrician for a slight wheeze. She came away with a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
“I remember thinking, is she never going to be a little girl that laughs or dances or plays anymore?’”
- Declynn's mom, Jessica
Now that Declynn is more than halfway through her approximately two-and-a-half-year treatment plan, she is back to being herself again.
Laughter is part of being a kid, and we believe 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. Together, we can save more live
World Laughter Day donations help us celebrate
Unlike other hospitals, the majority of funding for St. Jude comes from generous donors.
By making a donation in honor of World Laughter Day, you can help ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.
St. Jude patient Courtney
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