Feld Entertainment, the worldwide leader in live entertainment experiences, revved up support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® to crush childhood cancer during its Monster Jam World Finals® May 21 to 22, in Orlando, Florida, at Camping World Stadium. On display to fuel the excitement was a 10.5-foot-tall, 12,000-pound Monster Jam® truck, adorned with artwork by St. Jude patient Calvin, 13.
Feld Entertainment surprised Calvin by unveiling his artwork on the life-sized truck named Emoji Strong. He drew the emojis featured on the truck when Monster Jam drivers visited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in 2019. Calvin was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft tissue cancer. His doctor referred him to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital where his treatment included chemotherapy and proton therapy. “Calvin is quick-witted, happy-go-lucky and strong-willed,” said his mom, Tiffany. “He fights through the pain, and he’s a really happy kid.”
“The impact that unique and creative partnerships like this have on the future of research and treatment for kids with cancer and other catastrophic diseases is amazing, and we are so grateful for them,” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., president and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Monster Jam has raised more than $100,000 for the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since 2020 -- and what better place to celebrate this incredible support, and Calvin’s creativity, than at the Monster Jam World Finals.”
A limited-edition 1:64 scale diecast truck with the same Emoji Strong design is available for purchase at monsterjamsuperstore.com. Monster Jam will donate $10 from each purchase of this one-of-a-kind collector’s item to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving children.®
"As a family-owned business and a company that creates memories and moments that light up arenas, stadiums, stages, homes and hearts around the world, supporting St. Jude is a powerful way to honor our company's mission to uplift the human spirit," said Kenneth Feld, Chair and CEO of Feld Entertainment. "We continue to see the enthusiasm for St. Jude from our Monster Jam fans and are excited to explore innovative fundraising activations, like the Emoji Strong truck.”
Because of partnerships like this, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food so they can focus on helping their child live. The support of generous donors and partners also enables St. Jude to press ahead with its historic six-year, $12.8 billion strategic plan. Part of this plan will triple its global investment so St. Jude can impact more of the 400,000 kids around the world with cancer each year.
Photos and video from the event are available here.
For more information, visit stjude.org or monsterjam.com/stjude
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% to more than 80% since the hospital opened in 1962. St. Jude won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude 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. Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.