25 Facts About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

The Founding of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a beacon of hope for many families. Its history and mission are as inspiring as the work it does every day.

1. Founded by Danny Thomas: The hospital was established by entertainer Danny Thomas in 1962. He vowed to build a hospital dedicated to treating children with catastrophic diseases after praying to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless causes.

2. Opened in Memphis, Tennessee: St. Jude opened its doors in Memphis, Tennessee, chosen for its central location in the United States, making it accessible to families from all over the country.

3. First Fully Integrated Children's Hospital: It was the first fully integrated children's hospital in the South, treating children of all races, religions, and economic backgrounds.

The Mission and Vision

St. Jude operates with a clear mission and vision that guide its groundbreaking work in pediatric healthcare.

4. No Child Turned Away: St. Jude ensures that no child is denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family's ability to pay.

5. Focus on Research: The hospital's mission includes advancing cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.

6. Sharing Discoveries: St. Jude freely shares its research findings with the global medical community, accelerating the progress of pediatric medicine worldwide.

Groundbreaking Research and Treatments

St. Jude is renowned for its pioneering research and innovative treatments that have transformed pediatric healthcare.

7. Pediatric Cancer Research: The hospital has played a pivotal role in increasing the survival rate for childhood cancers from 20% to 80%.

8. Sickle Cell Disease: St. Jude was the first institution to cure sickle cell disease through a bone marrow transplant.

9. Gene Therapy: Researchers at St. Jude are at the forefront of developing gene therapy treatments for various genetic disorders.

Patient Care and Support

The hospital provides comprehensive care and support to its patients and their families, ensuring a holistic approach to treatment.

10. Family-Centered Care: St. Jude offers a family-centered care approach, providing housing, food, and transportation to families at no cost.

11. Psychosocial Services: The hospital provides extensive psychosocial services, including counseling and support groups, to help families cope with the emotional challenges of a child's illness.

12. Educational Programs: St. Jude offers educational programs to ensure that children continue their schooling during treatment.

Funding and Donations

St. Jude relies heavily on donations to fund its operations, ensuring that families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food.

13. Funded by Public Contributions: The hospital's daily operating costs are primarily covered by public contributions, with 75% of the funding coming from individual donors.

14. Annual Operating Cost: It costs approximately $2.8 million per day to run St. Jude, highlighting the importance of continuous support from donors.

15. ALSAC: The American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC) was established by Danny Thomas to raise funds and awareness for St. Jude.

Global Impact

St. Jude's influence extends far beyond the United States, impacting pediatric healthcare worldwide.

16. International Outreach Program: The hospital's International Outreach Program aims to improve the survival rates of children with catastrophic diseases globally.

17. Global Collaborations: St. Jude collaborates with healthcare institutions in over 50 countries, sharing knowledge and resources to improve pediatric care.

18. World Health Organization Partnership: St. Jude partners with the World Health Organization to address childhood cancer on a global scale.

Awards and Recognition

St. Jude's contributions to pediatric healthcare have been widely recognized and celebrated.

19. Nobel Prize: Dr. Peter Doherty, a researcher at St. Jude, won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1996 for his work on the immune system.

20. Top Children's Hospital: U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks St. Jude among the top children's hospitals in the nation.

21. National Cancer Institute Designation: St. Jude is designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, the only pediatric center with this distinction.

Community and Volunteer Support

The hospital thrives on the support of its community and volunteers, who play a crucial role in its operations.

22. Volunteer Program: St. Jude has a robust volunteer program, with individuals contributing their time and skills to support the hospital's mission.

23. Fundraising Events: Events like the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend and the St. Jude Walk/Run raise significant funds and awareness for the hospital.

24. Corporate Partnerships: Many corporations partner with St. Jude, providing financial support and resources to help the hospital achieve its goals.

Future Goals and Innovations

St. Jude continues to innovate and set ambitious goals for the future, aiming to further improve pediatric healthcare.

25. Strategic Plan: The hospital's strategic plan includes expanding its research capabilities, enhancing patient care, and increasing global outreach efforts to ensure that more children receive life-saving treatments.

St. Jude's Impact on the World

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has changed countless lives. By offering free treatment to children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases, it's a beacon of hope. The hospital's groundbreaking research has led to higher survival rates and better treatments. Families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food, thanks to the generosity of donors. This ensures parents can focus on their child's health without financial stress. St. Jude also shares its discoveries worldwide, helping doctors and researchers everywhere. The hospital's commitment to saving lives and finding cures is unwavering. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. Supporting St. Jude means contributing to a future where no child dies from cancer. Let's continue to back this incredible institution and its mission. Together, we can make a world of difference.