With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year, life across the country and around the world transformed nearly overnight. At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, we moved quickly to protect the health and safety of our employees, families and the most vulnerable members of our community—our patients. It is a sacred privilege to care for the children and families of St. Jude. I am inspired by their courage, moved by their dedication and committed to being their advocate and partner through this crisis and beyond.
Our hospital founder, Danny Thomas, once said, “No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child.” St. Jude employees stood tall and pulled together to create one of the safest harbors against COVID-19 in the nation.
As you will see in this edition of Promise, we instituted innovative protection measures across clinical, scientific and administrative operations. These include a first-of-its-kind COVID-19 testing program for employees, patients and families; campus zoning; reduced personnel and visitors’ access; and heightened infection control procedures.
It is a sacred privilege to care for the children and families of St. Jude. I am inspired by their courage, moved by their dedication and committed to being their advocate and partner through this crisis and beyond.
It takes a small village to accomplish institution-wide monitoring, preparedness, screening and surveillance. But thanks to these steps, we have been able to minimize the impact of the virus among the St. Jude community.
Beyond the gates of our campus, the pandemic surges through communities near and far, with millions of people infected. Meanwhile, we continue to respond to the threat while pursuing cutting-edge research and providing exceptional medical care for children with life-threatening diseases.
When the pandemic weighs on us, it is important to recall the lessons inherent in our mission. We know that good can arise and challenges can be overcome when a shared purpose is coupled with love and courage. Let us hold tight to these powerful forces—and remember their capacity for positive change.
From Promise, Autumn 2020
More articles from this issue
-
COVID-19 Preparations: Racing a Pandemic
Each infection comes with its own challenges. Learn how St. Jude has confronted the threat of COVID-19.
-
In Pursuit of a Hidden Enemy
St. Jude teams unite to launch a unique process for COVID-19 testing of patients and employees.
-
The Colors of Coronavirus
St. Jude creates coloring books and activity books that help children, tweens and teens understand the new coronavirus.
-
All Hands on Deck: Nursing Answers the Call
With proactive measures, new policies and collaboration, Nursing brings a front-line approach to the hospital’s pandemic response. Read about their remarkable efforts.
-
St. Jude Creates COVID-19 Information Hub
Through national and international collaborations, St. Jude aims to better understand COVID-19 in children worldwide, including in young cancer patients.
-
St. Jude Research Study Tracks Deadly Virus
Many St. Jude employees volunteer for a yearlong research study to help scientists learn about the virus that causes COVID-19.
-
Supporting Survivors Through the Pandemic
St. Jude has developed innovative ways to support our survivorship patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about our new ways of staying connected.
-
Tune in for Telehealth
Telehealth services connect patients and providers amid coronavirus concerns.
-
COVID-19 Q&A
Four St. Jude scientists answer your questions about COVID-19.
-
When Times Are 'Ruff'
Due to COVID-19, hospital therapy dogs Puggle and Huckleberry, along with their handlers Brittany Reed and Shandra Taylor, began providing virtual sessions to St. Jude patients.
-
News & Highlights - Autumn 2020
Learn the latest news about St. Jude science and medicine, including research on medulloblastoma, malaria, protein phase separation, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and national awards.