A Lifetime of Giving Leads to a Legacy of Hope

Jackie Rewert’s eyes sparkle describing her husband, Paul’s, philanthropic heart. 

“We love to support St. Jude,” Jackie said. “But he started the whole thing. He’s a very generous man— he likes to give back.” 

Paul was first drawn to the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® by the memory of his cousin. When they were both in grade school, before St. Jude was even built, she died from leukemia. This early and defining loss in Paul’s life laid a foundation for helping others.

When Paul graduated college and began working, he looked for ways to help others with his new steady income. He found his match when he learned of St. Jude — a pediatric research hospital in Tennessee making strides to cure the disease that stole his beloved cousin.  

Paul began sending in modest checks that grew as he established his career as a teacher. When he wed Jackie, she joined his excitement for breakthroughs made at St. Jude. 

“I can’t think of anything more important than saving young children and helping the families who really, really need it,” said Jackie. “I can’t think of many organizations where I feel so comfortable giving money and knowing that it’s going to be used the right way.” 

As the years went by, the Rewerts felt like they saw St. Jude around every corner. At the gym, Paul met a friend who pulled him into a four-hour bike ride fundraiser, and later inspired him to take shifts driving a support RV for runners relaying from Chicago to Peoria to raise funds for the kids of St. Jude. 

Little by little, the mission of St. Jude became an important part of the Rewerts’ life. Though they viewed their support as modest, they loved being part of something bigger than themselves. “What we're donating isn't changing the world,” Paul said. “But when many, many people come together and throw it all in the pot, it does make a big difference.”

As members of the Danny Thomas - St. Jude Society, a group of donors who have chosen to leave St. Jude in their estate plans, the Rewerts had the opportunity to visit the St. Jude campus. They relished the chance to see, in person, the mission they have supported for over 40 years while meeting others who find great meaning in being a small part of a greater whole.  

Jackie and Paul, both now retired, appreciated seeing at St. Jude the juxtaposition of research and treatment buildings — a reminder of the collaborative bench-to-bedside model at St. Jude. 

“St. Jude has a lot of brilliant minds working on this. It's not just one. It's a collaboration,” said Jackie. “Many minds are working together and putting their efforts toward something that will bring a good result.” 

With reinforced fervor for the St. Jude mission, Paul can’t help but imagine what would have been possible for his cousin on a different timeline. 

“I often think of my cousin… if it was 2024 instead of 1955,” he said. “She’d probably be alive today. She’d probably have a full life after treatment.”  

Steady and humble, the Rewerts are happy their support for the work of St. Jude will continue, even after they are gone. 

“We are not interested in leaving a legacy in the sense of having our name on anything,” Paul said. “No one needs to know we were here.”  

Though families turning to St. Jude in their darkest moments may never know Paul or Jackie’s names — their presence will be felt. Treatment and cures are made possible by people like them who have given generously alongside others, knowing that, together, a better future can be possible for children all over the world.