A commitment rooted in gratitude

I first learned about the work of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® during one of the hardest times in my life.

It was the summer of 2002, just two weeks after my best friend passed away from esophageal cancer.

I remember driving to work early one morning when I heard a St. Jude radiothon on the radio. My first thought was, “These are kids. This matters.”

Something about it really moved me. 

I pulled my car over, called the number they shared on the air and became a Partner in Hope. Since that day, I've never stopped making my monthly donation. That's how my connection to St. Jude began. Over time, with every letter and update I received, I learned more about the hospital's impact and the families it serves.

Being a Partner in Hope has brought me an incredible sense of purpose. What many people don't realize is that a large part of what helps keep the hospital's mission moving forward comes from those monthly gifts. I'm proud to be one of the many people who contribute in that way.

My involvement deepened in 2010 when I had the opportunity to join St. Jude fundraising efforts here in Puerto Rico. The team told me they were looking for someone creative, well-connected and passionate about the mission to help grow local support. We formed a committee of eight or nine business leaders and started brainstorming ways to make a meaningful impact.

Our first idea was a golf tournament. 

The first few years weren't easy. But something kept me going: the memory of my friend and the thought of my own children, who were still young at the time. Little by little, the tournament grew into one of the largest golf fundraising events in Puerto Rico, attracting more than 200 players.

Later, we created a different kind of gala called Chinchorreo Chic. We wanted people to feel comfortable coming as they were. There was no formal dress code, just great food, music and a fun atmosphere. By removing that barrier, we made the event more accessible, and it became one of the island's signature fundraising events until Hurricane Maria, in 2017, forced us to put it on hold.

I've visited the St. Jude campus three times, and as a father, those visits have stayed with me.

Seeing parents walk alongside their children while knowing they never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food is incredibly meaningful. During one visit, I met Dr. Victor Santana, one of the hospital's researchers. His dedication and passion for helping children inspired me to become even more engaged. 

Like anyone, I get tired sometimes.

But then I think about how grateful I am that my children are healthy. How could I not give a little of my time to help families who are facing so much? At the end of the day, my motivation comes from a place of pure gratitude.

To anyone considering getting involved with St. Jude, I'd say this: What you carry with you as part of this mission is truly priceless.

My commitment to St. Jude has lasted for more than two decades, and it will continue for the rest of my life.