Hope for all kids
Because the majority of our funding comes from our supporters, St. Jude can focus on what matters most — saving kids regardless of race, religion or financial situation.
St. Jude patient Elani, pictured with her family in 2018
When he was a struggling entertainer, Danny Thomas prayed to St. Jude, the patron saint of hopeless causes: "Help me find my way in life, and I will build you a shrine." When Danny became successful, he made good on his promise and founded St. Jude.
He vowed to make St. Jude an inclusive place for children with life-threatening diseases, as well as their families — a place of hope for all.
And no matter what, families have never received a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food—so they can focus on helping their child live.
St. Jude patient Jordyn (third from left) with her family in 2019
St. Jude patient Elani with her mom in 2018
When we arrived at St. Jude, it was like our world opened up.
Darnita, sickle cell patient Elani's mom
The first research grant that St. Jude ever received, in 1958, before the hospital was even built, was for the study of sickle cell disease. St. Jude subsequently launched the first comprehensive study of sickle cell disease and its impact on the African-American population.
In more ways than one, St. Jude was a pioneer
Equity is at the heart of our lifesaving mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®
-
'Another side of humanity'
As the segregationist laws of the 1950s and ‘60s kept African Americans from advancing socially and professionally, St. Jude offered a safe environment where equality was the order of the day.
-
Making history
When St. Jude opened in 1962, Danny Thomas vowed the hospital would treat patients regardless of race, religion or ability to pay. In 1968, Dr. Rudolph Jackson became one of the first Black doctors at St. Jude.
-
'Always the first'
Maurice Walton Tate forged a path for others, driven by the tragic loss of her daughter before St. Jude opened.
-
Our core values
Four simple but powerful words fuel the mission of ALSAC, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
-
Architect of hope
Paul Williams, an African-American architect who made his name designing homes for stars like Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball, donated his services to help his friend Danny Thomas build St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Without St. Jude, my children wouldn't be here.
Lisa, Javon and Jakayla's mom
Lisa and her children were all treated at St. Jude for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer. St. Jude has increased the survival rates for ALL from 4% before opening in 1962 to 94% today.
Since it opened in 1962, treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80%. St. Jude won't stop until no child dies from cancer.
Even today, our lifesaving mission continues
Our stories continue to reflect our founder's vision that St. Jude be a place of hope and inspiration.
-
At home in her lab at St. Jude
Dr. Obeng's parents instilled in her a value for education, and she's putting it to use treating patients and researching new therapies and cures.
-
Meet the Inspiration4 crew
Dr. Sian Proctor and Christopher Sembroski will take the remaining two seats on the Inspiration4 spaceflight launching later this year.
-
Power of family
Love for each other eased this family through childhood cancer treatment.
-
Through past and present
Robert Spence found a sense of mission and equality at St. Jude. Decades later, his niece found life-saving treatment, and his son, a career.
-
Dedicating his craft to help kids
Artist Derek Fordjour’s ‘Rhythm & Blues’ raises $410,000 for St. Jude
-
Finding inspiration in illness
Fashion designer and illustrator Kris Keys first learned to love painting as a child in a hospital bed. After traveling the globe, Kris still gets inspiration from the blood disorder that’s been with her since she was born.
-
A little girl's unwavering spirit
Mom is encouraged by Eleanor's unwavering spirit
-
The healing power of supporting St. Jude
Fundraiser and cancer survivor Imani Brown talks about her mom's boldness, and her pain, and the healing power of supporting St. Jude.
-
Making progress through cancer research
The stories of Brian, Caleb and Mason highlight the progress St. Jude continues to make in treating ALL, the most common form of childhood cancer.
-
St. Jude helps Azalea's family reclaim life
Her parents laud St. Jude for helping them reclaim the life and family they so cherish
-
Gospel singer draws on faith to inspire
As a St. Jude Ambassador, gospel singer Evvie McKinney draws on her faith to inspire others.
-
A family pulls together through the unimaginable
A family pulls together through the unimaginable
St. Jude has the highest rating on Charity Navigator.
Read the impact report >
When you make a gift, 82 cents of every dollar supports the treatment, research and future needs of St. Jude.
See how we're different >
St. Jude patient Abraham
Make a donation
Help ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
St. Jude patient Marina
Sunday of Hope
Unite as one church family to help find cures for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
St. Jude patient Maelin-Kate
Form a 'giving circle'
Learn how you increase your charitable impact when you form a community to combine donations with others.
St. Jude patient Hadleigh with her mom
Create and send a free card
Write an encouraging note to St. Jude patients like Melanie.