St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital volunteer Henry Hanten knows what it’s like to hear the words “You have cancer.” Diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at 19 years old, Henry was treated in Minnesota.

“I lived in Duluth at the time and traveled down to the Twin Cities,” said Hanten. “I know what it’s like to bear the cost of not only cancer treatment, but travel, food and housing.”

He believes the treatment he received was influenced by the pioneering breakthroughs in cancer treatment being made at St. Jude.

The treatment saved his life, and his experience led him to volunteer at his first radiothon benefiting St. Jude.

“St. Jude does exactly what they say they do. They ensure that no family ever pays for treatment, travel, housing, or food, and for me, that is a big deal. I know that the cost of treatment is tremendous.”

Over the years, Hanten has traveled more than 57,000 miles across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and even Arizona, volunteering at radiothons to support the St. Jude mission.

“Volunteering at the radio stations, you get to know the radio staff, and they become like family to you. The people that I have met continue to inspire me.” 

In December of 2022, Henry volunteered at his 100th radiothon, a record-setting accomplishment for a St. Jude fundraising volunteer. To thank him for his dedication, Henry received the St. Jude Country Cares Diamond Award.

“The little extra thank you goes a long way,” said Henry. “I’ll keep volunteering as long as I can.”