I have been a proud supporter for many years of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. While working as an on-air personality for various radio stations, we would host share-a-thons for this wonderful organization. Now I am no longer on-air, but I still give to this amazing hospital every year.
A quick background on St. Jude’s
■ St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital opened in 1962 and was
founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas. His mission was to
find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases
through research and treatment.
■ St. Jude covers the cost of food, travel and lodging for patients and a
family member.
■ St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families
never pay for treatment not covered by insurance.
■ In 1962, the survival rate for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the
most common form of childhood cancer, was 4 percent. Today, the
survival rate for this once deadly disease is 94 percent, thanks to
research and treatment protocols developed at St. Jude.
■ The daily operating cost for St. Jude is $1.5 million, which is primarily
covered by public contributions.
■ St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated
as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute.
■ In 2009, Parents magazine named St. Jude the No. 1 pediatric cancer
care hospital in the country, based on the magazine’s survey of more
than 75 children’s hospitals nationwide.
■ St. Jude is the first institution established for the sole purpose of
conducting basic and clinical research and treatment into catastrophic
childhood diseases, mainly cancer.
Get your walking shoes and work-up an appetite for your Thanksgiving dinner by participating in St. Jude’s Give Thanks. Walk 5k in 60 cities Saturday November 20. Or if you prefer, you can send a virtual gift or donate online.
Many companies are supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital this holiday season. During the holidays, these companies and movie theaters are donating money during the Thanks and Giving® campaign. See if your favorite is on the list.
St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital is a wonderful organization doing amazing things for children and families who need them.
May you and your family have a wonderful, blessed Holiday Season.
