Celebrate World Laughter Day with St. Jude

Celebrate joy this World Laughter Day. Make a donation to St. Jude, and help give kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases the chance to keep laughing. 

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Patient Gabe laughs as he stands in a living room wearing a This Shirt Saves Lives T-shirt.

St. Jude patient Gabe

 
 
St. Jude patient Maelin-Kate sits on her mom's lap as they both laugh.

St. Jude patient Maelin-Kate with her mom
 

What is World Laughter Day?

Founded by Dr. Madan Kataria in 1998, World Laughter Day is a celebration of laughter and joy. World Laughter Day is based on the idea that when people are happier, they spread that positivity to others. 

When is World Laughter Day?

World Laughter Day is the first Sunday in May. This year, World Laughter Day is Sunday, May 5, 2024.

 
 

How to celebrate World Laughter Day

Regular, everyday laughter can release stress, bolster the immune system, improve mood and more. And that’s something to celebrate! This World Laughter Day, you might want to:

  • watch a funny movie or TV show
  • go to a comedy show
  • tell jokes or make up your own
  • host a game night with friends
  • have a funny photoshoot

However you mark the occasion, spread joy to those around you!

 
 
St. Jude patient Eliza sits and laughs while clutching her hands in glee.

St. Jude patient Eliza
 

Why we celebrate: Eliza’s story

Known for her infectious giggle, Eliza was admitted to St. Jude when she was diagnosed with retinoblastoma. Eliza finished chemotherapy in July 2022 and now returns to St. Jude for regular checkups. She's back to being her joy-filled self and spreading love to her family and friends. 

St. Jude has saved her life. People giving of their own money, it's helped my baby girl. And then, you know, they're able to do research and help other children. So it's not just my little world. It's children all over the world.

- Eliza’s mom

Read More About Eliza Read Other Patient Stories

 
 

World Laughter Day donations help us celebrate

Unlike other hospitals, the majority of funding for St. Jude comes from generous donors.

By making a donation in honor of World Laughter Day, you can help ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.

Donate Now

 
Patient Luna laughs as she gets a hug from her dad and sits on his lap.

St. Jude patient Luna and her dad
 
 

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