Being a Partner In Hope means everything to me

Before the trip, I thought I was ready.

I expected to leave feeling heartbroken the first time I visited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.  

But that didn’t happen.

On the contrary, it renewed my sense of hope and gave me the energy to support the mission with everything I have. 

In the 13 years I’ve been involved with St. Jude, I’ve had the honor of visiting its campus three times.

Every time I go, I stand in front of the statue of St. Jude Thaddeus and say a prayer. I give thanks for my life, for my health and for the chance to help the patients and the work being done there.  

It’s been amazing to see how the campus has grown over the years, how every dollar makes a difference and how kids still ride wagons through the hallways and the cafeteria — a way to let them keep living their childhood.

That’s something I’ve always found deeply meaningful. 

As an engineer, one of the things that first drew me in was learning that the hospital has a team dedicated to finding cures for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases through research and treatment. 

I remember more than 20 years ago watching TV ads and sending a donation. Over time, I became a Partner In Hope, making sure my donation arrived every month. 

Later, I joined the first golf tournament in Puerto Rico to benefit St. Jude.

That’s when I fell in love with the mission. 

Eventually, I told the organizers of the annual tournament I wanted to help — and then I was invited to join the board of directors. I chaired that committee for seven years and now I volunteer.

And I say this is so important to me because families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live. 

After my family, St. Jude is one of the most important things in my life. It fills my heart. What gives me joy in the hardest moments is knowing those kids are in good hands and that every one of us, the donors, is part of that mission.

My kids are healthy. One of them has Down syndrome and is doing well, and that’s a blessing for me. 

That’s why being a Partner In Hope means everything to me; I live this cause.

I’ll end by saying to those who haven’t joined St. Jude yet: This is an incredible mission. 
As human beings, I believe we should all allow ourselves to help at least one person. Each of us can do that if we focus on one at a time — not 20 or 40. Because if each of us focuses on helping someone, we’ll make the world better.

And I invite you to take that step, because this isn’t just about a donation — it’s about giving a child hope.