Luis Alemañy: Building a legacy of giving

Español | English

Every morning on his way to work, Luis Alemañy follows a ritual that gives meaning and direction to his day.

He calls his mother, and together, they recite Psalm 91 and a prayer to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of lost causes.

When he arrives at his office in Bayamón, just outside Puerto Rico’s capital, he’s ready to work side-by-side with his team at a company he brought back from the brink. But he also walks in wearing his commitment to social causes that give his life purpose — like supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.

“If I don’t share my blessings, I could lose them someday,” Luis said, reflecting on the long journey that shaped his dreams. 

Those who see his success in business or his generosity might never imagine how, years ago, he hit rock bottom.

“I lost my job because of a restructuring, and no matter how hard I tried, every door closed,” he said.

When hope was fading, something unexpected happened. A moment that reconnected him with his faith and reminded him it wasn’t time to give up.

“I found a prayer card with the image of St. Jude Thaddeus in my car,” he recalled. “I have no idea how it got there, but it changed my perspective.” 

Overcome with emotion, Luis prayed and made a promise: If he found work, he would dedicate part of his life to helping those in need.

Soon after, he discovered a factory on the verge of shutting down. Seeing an opportunity, Luis stepped in and acquired the struggling business, putting everything he had on the line.

“It was in critical condition, financially and physically. We had to choose between paying employees or buying raw materials to keep production going,” Luis said.

Trusting his instincts, he saw potential where others saw failure and invested everything he had to save the business. 

That first year was a massive challenge for him and his family.

“We know it was tough, especially without a salary. He worked late into the night trying to stabilize the company,” said Awilda, his wife. “Seeing that effort made us admire him even more.”

Awilda also remembers his concern for longtime employees.

“He told me, ‘We have to do something. How can they lose their jobs?’” she said. 

Ari, one of those employees, agreed: “He moved heaven and earth to give people their jobs back. Luis is an example to follow.”

In 2019, Ari helped restart operations with just 13 employees.

“Today we have more than 50 and we’re still hiring,” Luis said, sharing a grateful smile with Awilda.

True to his values, Luis dedicated his business to St. Jude Thaddeus, even including the saint’s initials in the company name. 

Without knowing it, his promise echoed one made more than six decades earlier by Danny Thomas, the founder of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. As a young entertainer, Danny faced many challenges in building his career. He sought refuge in his faith and prayed to Saint Jude Thaddeus and asked the saint for something very special: “Show me my path in life, and I will build you a sanctuary.”

Over the years, Danny's career flourished through his participation in films and television programs, and he kept his word by building a hospital that became a global symbol of hope for children with life-threatening diseases. Today, St. Jude leads the world in understanding, treating and defeating childhood cancer and other catastrophic illnesses.

“When I learned about his promise, I felt admiration, and I couldn’t help but think of my own experience,” Luis said, his eyes shining with pride.

A mission that brings family together 

While rebuilding his company, Luis heard a friend on the radio talking about supporting St. Jude.

“I didn’t know about the mission, but when I learned those kids needed help, I called to become a Partner In Hope and asked my friend how I could do more,” Luis said. “It aligned perfectly with my promise — and even shared the same name as the saint.”

For the past five years, Luis and Awilda have worked together recruiting volunteers for St. Jude events in Puerto Rico.

Luis also serves on the organizing committee for the annual Fore the Kids Golf Tournament on the island, which benefits the research hospital. 

“My mom taught me to help others, and now I’m passing that on to my kids,” Luis said.

On event day, he wakes his three children at 5 a.m. so they can head to the golf course and help with preparations.

“Since I was little, I’ve been taught to give from what I have, not from what’s left over. And in a mission like this, you see how every effort makes a difference,” said Diego, the oldest.

Luis Andrés, the youngest, said spending more than 12 hours helping in these events makes him feel useful — and “totally lucky” to be part of a cause that brings hope to kids with serious illnesses worldwide. 

“The mission of St. Jude has brought us closer as a family because we believe in helping others. It’s an organization that truly does good without asking for anything in return,” Awilda said, referring to Danny’s promise to treat children from everywhere, regardless of race, religion or ability to pay.

“St. Jude is part of our family now,” Luis said. “I want it to stay that way — to keep giving hope and make that part of my legacy.”