Our mission
The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay.
What does St. Jude do?
St. Jude is dedicated to treating kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. In addition to patient treatment, St. Jude is focused on cutting-edge research to help us better understand pediatric cancer and how to treat it. Each day, we are working toward a cure, so every child who comes to us can be given their best chance to grow up.
Our history
Danny Thomas opened the doors to St. Jude in 1962 with the dream that “no child should die in the dawn of life." Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80%, and we won't stop until no child dies from cancer.
Seeking treatment at St. Jude?
Our approach makes us different from most children’s hospitals. St. Jude is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. St. Jude has also been named among the top children’s cancer hospitals in the United States by U.S. News & World Report since the ranking was first published in 2008.
We provide the best possible care for our patients. We also make discoveries that will lead to better treatment for sick children and young adults around the world. We accomplish both by treating patients using clinical trials, taking the standard of care one step beyond. Acceptance to St. Jude may be based on potential eligibility for an open clinical trial.
No child should die in the dawn of life.
Danny Thomas, founder
Why support St. Jude?
Families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.
When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80% within the U.S., and we won't stop until no child dies from cancer.
Every child deserves a chance to live their best life and celebrate every moment. When you support St. Jude, you help give kids with cancer around the world that chance. Together, we can save more lives.
Our stories
Meet our patients, families, supporters, and staff and experience the innovative research, pioneering treatments and inspirational stories that happen at St. Jude every day. Experience our stories.
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Meet Felicity
With a diagnosis of 5 tumors in her brain and spine, Felicity is facing a struggle, but you wouldn't know it by the constant smile on her face.
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Flipping for St. Jude
Brianna was inspired by a television commercial for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to lead a Push-up/Pull-up Challenge fundraiser at her school.
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Generations of giving
This multi-generational family is devoted to raising money for St. Jude. Find out the many ways they are giving back.
About St. Jude FAQ
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St. Jude is known for our state-of-the-art pediatric cancer research and treatment. Patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food.
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ALSAC, or American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, is the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. ALSAC raises an estimated 89% of the necessary funding for St. Jude from our generous donors.
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Yes, St. Jude is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Resources
Learn more about St. Jude, how we operate and how to connect with us!
