Movement in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month draws support
from thousands, including actress Lucy Hale, corporate partners and digital influencers
MEMPHIS, Tenn., Aug. 29, 2018 -- This September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will rally hundreds of thousands of people from across the country with a shared goal to end childhood cancer.
St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Among those helping raise awareness for the mission is actress Lucy Hale, recently announced as the St. Jude ambassador for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Hale also will take part in one of the 65 St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer events.
Joining Hale for this movement are two dozen corporate partners as well as several digital influencers who are galvanizing supporters in their communities and raising awareness across the digital landscape.
Since St. Jude opened its doors more than 50 years ago, treatments invented here have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80%, and it won't stop until no child dies from cancer.
“While tremendous strides have been made in research and treatments thanks in large part to St. Jude, we must act with urgency to help end pediatric cancer, which affects nearly 300,000 children worldwide each year and remains the leading cause of death by disease in U.S. kids today,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude. “We are thankful for Lucy Hale, all of our partners and the multitude of supporters who are making a difference by raising awareness and support for our lifesaving mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®”
The St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer will take place in 65 communities across the country throughout September. Individuals can register to participate in this family-friendly event that raises funds to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude. Participants have the opportunity to participate in either a walk or 5K run.
“We cheer on these communities that are rallying together to help end childhood cancer, because they are giving St. Jude the freedom to focus on what matters most—saving children regardless of their financial situation,” Shadyac said. “Events like these help ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.”
Individuals can also get involved by donating to participants or volunteering at one of the events. Learn more or find a St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer in your area by visiting stjude.org/together.
In addition to events taking place across the country, two dozen national partners are supporting St. Jude through various Childhood Cancer Awareness Month activities in September. Partners include Kmart, LOFT, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Carnival Cruise Line, AmazonSmile, CBS Sports, PayPal, Lancôme, CARS, Jewelers for Children, eBay, Green Giant, Cox Automotive, Publishers Clearing House, Medieval Times, Line-X, Coton Colors, Blo Blow Dry Bar, Nurse Mates, Cratejoy, Chase54, Assurance Financial, Bundle of Dreams and Winston Flowers.
National Series sponsors for the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer events are Target, Thrivent Mutual Funds and American Airlines®. Chili's Grill & Bar returns this year as the Platinum national team, and the Gold national teams are Tri Delta, DXL Men’s Apparel, Domino’s, Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Epsilon Sigma Alpha Fraternity and Window World.
Supporters can also get involved by contributing to the fundraiser on the St. Jude Facebook page beginning Sept. 1.
About St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook (facebook.com/stjude), following St. Jude on Twitter (@stjude) and subscribing to its YouTube channel (youtube.com/user/MyStJude).