Architect of hope
Paul Williams, a renowned architect and friend of St. Jude founder Danny Thomas, donated the design of the original hospital when it was constructed in 1962.
Javon's culinary arts series
As a child, Javon underwent treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) three times. Each time, St. Jude was by his side. Now a college graduate, he's embarked on a career of helping to plan events for St. Jude and enjoys cooking his favorite meals as a pastime.
St. Jude survivor Javon while filming his cooking series.
St. Jude survivor Nick
From budding basketball star to rapper
St. Jude survivor Nick was a standout basketball player when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood cancer. His mother encouraged to him to write about his experience, which soon turned into lyrics for rap songs.
From diagnosis to design
Kris Keys was treated at St. Jude for a genetic blood disorder when she was a child. Today she's a modern fashion designer who connects her experience to art.
Artist and St. Jude supporter Derek Fordjour poses in front of one of his paintings.
Dedicating his art to helping kids
Artist Derek Fordjour's recent painting, Rhythm & Blues, sold for $410,000 at an auction. He gave it all to St. Jude.
When he was a struggling entertainer, Danny Thomas prayed to St. Jude, the patron saint of hopeless causes: "Help me find my way in life, and I will build you a shrine." When Danny became successful, he made good on his promise and founded St. Jude.
St. Jude was founded on the principles of equity and inclusion. When it opened in Memphis, Tenn., in 1962, St. Jude was the first fully integrated children’s hospital in the Southern United States. During a time of widespread segregation, St. Jude hired Black doctors, researchers and nurses, while providing care services to children, regardless of race.
St. Jude patient Kaleb and his father
St. Jude was also involved in the integration of Memphis hotels during the Civil Rights Movement, calling for Black patients and their families to be allowed to stay in the same facilities as white patients and families. The St. Jude medical director during that time, Dr. Donald Pinkel, held firm to the institution’s demands until the hotels eventually agreed.
Learn more about our legacy
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Our legacy
Equity and inclusion have been at the heart of the St. Jude mission since it opened in 1962.
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Making History at St. Jude
When St. Jude opened in 1962, Danny Thomas vowed the hospital would treat patients regardless of race, religion or ability to pay. In 1968, Dr. Rudolph Jackson became one of the first Black doctors at St. Jude.
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Our history
In 1962, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital opened in front of a crowd of 9,000 in Memphis, Tenn. Learn about the history of St. Jude, how our hospital came to be and the amazing things we’ve accomplished.
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St. Jude: Pioneer for racial integration
Read how St. Jude became the first fully integrated children’s hospital in the South.
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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At ALSAC and St. Jude, we value and celebrate the uniqueness of everyone. Our organizations were founded on equality and inclusion, and our mission inspires us to ensure our employees feel a sense of belonging, empowerment and respect.
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St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital honors Black history with exhibit at National Civil Rights Museum
This exhibit showcases the 60-year history of eliminating racial health inequities, and spotlights Black St. Jude visionaries, doctors and patients.
How are Black history and culture celebrated at St. Jude all year long?
For more than 60 years, St. Jude has cared for some of the world’s sickest children regardless of their race, ethnicity, beliefs or ability to pay. Our patients receive the customized care they need to treat childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases, no matter what barriers they may face.
St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening illnesses — like sickle cell.
Families never receive a bill from St. Jude 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%. St. Jude won't stop until no child dies from cancer.
St. Jude patient Kamryn and his mom
Become part of our legacy
Other ways to support the kids of St. Jude
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Donate in honor of someone
Learn how to donate in honor of someone and celebrate them in your life while supporting a worthy cause.
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Become a Monthly Donor
Join our Partners In Hope and learn about how monthly giving makes an impact for St. Jude families.
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Matching Gifts
Find out if you can double the impact of your donation to St. Jude through your employer's matching gifts program.
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Planned giving
With planned giving, you can achieve your financial goals while supporting the lifesaving mission of St. Jude.
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Naming Opportunities - Dedicate Plaques
Find a special place on the St. Jude campus to show your support for patients, families, discoveries and our lifesaving mission with a personalized plaque.
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Fundraise for St. Jude
Find out how you can start fundraising and support the children of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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Memorial donations
You can support the kids of St. Jude in memory of a loved one. Make a donation or create a memorial fund today.