On the last day of their beach vacation, Mallory noticed red dots under her daughter Nora Kay’s eyes. Despite antibiotics, Nora Kay’s condition worsened.
Doctors monitored Nora Kay's condition over the next several months. She was not improving, and her spleen became dangerously enlarged.
Nora Kay underwent surgery to have it removed. “Two weeks later, pathology came back, and her spleen was just filled with lymphoma,” said Mallory.
Diagnosed with a rare lymphoma, she began treatment at St. Jude. She underwent a bone marrow transplant, with her father serving as the donor.
Mallory and Nora Kay found hope and normalcy at St. Jude.
Nora Kay graduated pre-K at the St. Jude Imagine Academy by Chili's, while Mallory earned her master's degree in educational leadership.
Mallory learned so many things at St. Jude besides her master’s coursework –call it St. Jude 101.
“Put your phone away and enjoy singing 'The Continents Song' 120 times if that’s what Nora Kay wants to do,” said Mallory. “Just a shift in your perspective of what’s important.”
At St. Jude, you can give with confidence
We know there are many noble causes worthy of your support. Since St. Jude is a childhood cancer charity, the majority of funds needed to operate and sustain us must be raised from generous donors.
For every dollar given:
- 82 cents supports the treatment, research and future needs of St. Jude.
- 13 cents supports fundraising efforts.
- 5 cents covers administrative costs.
This is how your donation makes an impact
The Child Life Program
A diagnosis of a new illness can be stressful for a family. The Child Life Program helps reduce stress and anxiety for patients and their family.
The Domino’s Village offers short- and long-term lodging for patients and families at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This facility is a comfortable and soothing space with everything a family needs to feel at home.
Cancer Control & Survivorship Program
Childhood cancer survivors have unique health needs. Our St. Jude care team works with local care providers to help patients stay healthy.
Together, we will end childhood cancer
Pediatric cancer treatments can last up to three years and cost around $425,000. Our monthly supporters help give parents peace of mind so all they have to worry about is helping their children live.
Join our community of monthly donors and look forward to:
- Regular updates on patient stories and breakthroughs.
- Tax deductions.
- Flexible giving options (change gift amount and manage payment anytime).
Did you know?
- We share our scientific discoveries with the world.
- Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
- We're headquartered in Memphis, TN, and treat children from around the world.
- Our name comes from Saint Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless causes and a personal favorite of founder Danny Thomas.
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This shirt saves lives and so can you, when you donate $19+ a month
