What is the history of International Childhood Cancer Day?

In 2002, Childhood Cancer International (CCI) recognized the first International Childhood Cancer Day. They did so with the goal of reducing inequalities in childhood cancer care globally. St. Jude is similarly committed to reducing barriers to research and treatment worldwide.

What’s the significance of the gold ribbon?

The gold ribbon is the symbol of childhood cancer awareness. It’s also a prominent symbol during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. The gold represents the high value of the lives of children and adolescents with cancer.

Why give to St. Jude on International Childhood Cancer Day?

When you give to St. Jude, your donation can have a positive impact on communities around the world. St. Jude shares its breakthroughs with doctors and researchers globally. Through research and treatment, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80% in the U.S.

The joy of giving

"There are two kinds of people in this world: the Givers and the Takers.
The Takers sometimes eat better, but the Givers ALWAYS sleep better."

Danny Thomas, St. Jude Founder

Why is philanthropy important?

When Danny Thomas set forth in founding St. Jude, he knew he couldn't do it alone. He knew he'd need help from millions of others — others whom he hoped shared his vision that "no child should die in the dawn of life."

His hopes were fulfilled, both in creating St. Jude and in helping families. When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was largely considered incurable. Since then, we've helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% today, and we won't stop until no child dies from cancer.

And it's those millions of Givers — just like you — who power the research and treatments that bring Danny's dream to life each day. And everyday, we feel the importance of philanthropy. We see it in the spark of hope in a parent's eyes when we tell them we'll do everything in our power to help their child survive.

It's a feeling we hope you also share, because without supporters like you, our work would not be possible.

The personal benefits of giving

St. Jude patient Beckett with his parents

Supporting others can make you happy

When you help others, it can make you feel happier. This is because your brain releases chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which make you feel good.

Giving can help increase gratitude

When you make a habit of helping others, it can help you feel less sad and/or stressed. Giving or volunteering can lower stress, helping you feel more thankful and happy.

St. Jude patient Liliana with her mom

St. Jude patient Miguel with the band Intocable

Helping others creates connection

Showing support, whether by giving time, money or attention, helps build a sense of community. This not only helps the people you're supporting but can also make you feel less isolated and more connected. Being part of a community can help lower stress and anxiety. It's a great way to make yourself and others feel better.

Being charitable can boost self-esteem

Helping others and supporting causes you care about (such as St. Jude) can make you feel proud and give you a sense of purpose. This, in turn, can boost your self-esteem and make you feel good about the choices you make.

St. Jude patient Luis

Experience the joy of giving for yourself

St. Jude has many options for you to support our mission and our families and to allow you to experience the true joy of giving:

Contribute with a single donation via postal mail or online.
Pledge ongoing monthly gifts by becoming a St. Jude Partner in Hope (and get yourself a cool T-shirt)
Find out if your employer will match your donation and find ways to get your workplace involved.
Create a lasting legacy when you donate through your will or bequest.
Volunteer to help in a local fundraiser.

Explore More Ways to Give

Why support St. Jude kids?

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%, 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.

Spread the joy of giving to St. Jude kids

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

Because of your support, we can provide children cutting-edge treatments not covered by insurance, at no cost to families.

Donate Now Start a Fundraiser

The joy of giving

Why is philanthropy important?