Tameika and Marcel Davis invest in research to develop more cures and better treatments for children battling life-threatening diseases

Tameika and Marcel Davis lived parallel lives before they met. Both were raised in Jamaica and followed opportunity to the U.S. Both went into the medical field — Marcel a registered nurse and Tameika a nurse practitioner. And both eventually settled near family in Florida where their paths finally crossed. 

Ambitious and hardworking, Tameika and Marcel set out to build a life together rooted in helping others. Skilled caregivers, the young couple opened a pair of assisted living facilities and a real estate company, and their success allowed them to commit to monthly donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. 

For the Davis family, the St. Jude Partners In Hope program is a perfect fit, because it allows them to build generosity into their daily lives. "With saying we are committed to a certain thing; we just want to work toward it," Tamekia said. “Being able to give to St. Jude is us extending who we are… I feel as though we are still really being nurses as we give to St. Jude."

As a child in Jamaica, Marcel attended a primary school also named after St. Jude, the patron saint of hopeless causes. Years later, living in Chicago, he saw a late-night infomercial for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Hearing the stories of the very ill children and families who found hope when they didn’t think there was any to be found, Marcel felt compelled to become a supporter right then and there. 

As he began building a life with Tameika, they made philanthropy a priority — and Marcel's passion for St. Jude was contagious. Now, as parents of two young children, Jendayi and Kaleb, the call to give is even stronger. “It's a blessing to have healthy children, but I can imagine the pain of a parent whose child is diagnosed with something, and they don’t even know where to start,” Tameika said.

Looking for additional ways to support the mission of St. Jude and its commitment to healthcare equity, Marcel and Tameika donated to the Dr. Rudolph Jackson campaign last year. Dr. Jackson, one of the first Black doctors at St. Jude, was a groundbreaking figure in the research and treatment of sickle cell disease. His work laid the foundation for medical advancements that continue to save lives all over the world. Supporting this campaign helped Marcel and Tameika feel even more connected to the vital work of St. Jude. 

Monthly updates for Partners In Hope members motivate the Davis family to keep moving forward. "It’s inspiring to feel like we are part of the mission,” Marcel said. "It's motivating to see good is still happening. We can tie into something that’s a worthy cause … that's expansive … that's worldwide. We feel like we are part of the mission — part of the team."

Partners In Hope are who Tameika and Marcel are and who they are raising their children to be. "As we give, it's not just us giving, but our children as well,” Tameika said. Jendayi is giving. Kaleb is giving. That's the beauty of giving. As we push them forward, we help the generation behind us.”

The charismatic and humble couple have no plans of stopping. “It's a privilege for us to give and to be a part of this. To watch it grow and move forward,” Marcel said. “The financial is replaceable, but life is not replaceable. So, if it's just financial resources on our part, that's just a small part for us to do."