Myrna Auffant: “Becoming a Partner in Hope has transformed me in ways I never imagined”

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Myrna Auffant speaks about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® with a warmth that reflects years of personal connection. Alongside her husband, Rafael, she has embraced the mission with a steady, heartfelt commitment that has become part of their everyday conversations. For her, supporting St. Jude is more than a gesture of generosity — it’s a shared purpose that fills them with pride and deep emotion.

When did you first learn about the St. Jude mission? 

Back in 2008, I was at home when I saw a TV commercial. It moved me so much that I signed up right away to become a Partner in Hope, a monthly donor.  Three weeks later, my niece got sick and was diagnosed with leukemia, cancer of blood and bone marrow. When she didn’t respond to treatment in Puerto Rico, her doctors referred her to St. Jude.

I couldn’t believe it. What I did know in that moment was that somehow, I was now even more connected to the St. Jude family.

How is your niece doing today? 
She’s doing great. She’s finishing her college degree in communications and dreaming about her first job in media. Every time I see her, I give her a big hug. It fills me with so much joy to see how far she’s come after walking such a difficult path. She’s my greatest pride.

How did this personal experience change your perspective on St. Jude? 

At first, I thought only about financial support: Giving a monthly amount and knowing that contribution would turn into treatments, research and help for families facing one of the hardest moments of their lives. But over time, I realized there’s something much deeper, something you don’t always understand until you live it. 

St. Jude supports parents and siblings and provides interpreters in several languages when needed. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food. They create an environment that feels as close to family as possible. That allows parents to feel at peace so they can focus on helping their child heal.

What does being a Partner in Hope mean to you? 

Becoming a Partner in Hope has transformed me in ways I never imagined. It has been a blessing in my life, in my niece’s life and for my entire family. It has also brought me an incredible sense of personal fulfillment.

Sometimes we think supporting a cause only means giving money, but we don’t always think about what we receive in return: the joy of giving. A simple, honest joy that reminds you of a gesture, no matter how small, can light the way for someone going through a dark moment.

What would you tell someone who’s considering becoming a Partner in Hope? 

Joining this mission gives you the chance to help others, which is something we’re all called to do. There are moments in life when we want to feel useful, to feel that what we do has a purpose greater than ourselves. Being part of St. Jude has given me exactly that. Knowing that thanks to this support, parents can feel they’re not alone.

That’s why, when I talk about this experience, I always invite others to look beyond the idea of “donating money.” I encourage everyone who can to help give children around the world a second chance. Being part of St. Jude doesn’t just help save lives; it transforms ours, too.