Pioneering healthcare equity and inclusion

When it opened in Memphis, Tenn. in 1962, St. Jude was the first fully integrated children’s hospital in the Southern United States. It was founded on the principles of equity and inclusion. Amid widespread segregation, St. Jude employed African-American doctors, researchers, and nurses, providing care to all children, regardless of race.

Before St. Jude, childhood cancer was largely considered incurable. Similarly, other life-threatening diseases like sickle cell offered little hope for treatment.

Where others saw hopelessness, St. Jude founder Danny Thomas found a starting point.

Dr. Rudolph Jackson May 31, 1935 - Aug. 19, 2021

What will be your legacy?

At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, we have a legacy of doing what is right — not what is easy. From standing against segregation to launching one of the country's largest pediatric sickle cell programs, every successful stride helps propel us forward. Take a stand with us, become a monthly donor today.

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St. Jude patient Azalea and family

Shining a light on sickle cell disease

St. Jude has one of the largest sickle cell programs in the country, playing a vital role in the research and treatment of this life-threatening disease.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects a person’s red blood cells.

Sickle cell disease is more prominent in those of African, Latin and South American descent.

One out of every 12 African Americans in the United States has the sickle cell trait. If both parents carry the trait, their child has a stronger chance of being born with sickle cell disease.

Previously, 50% of sickle cell patients did not live beyond the age of 20, and most did not survive to age 50. Today, with early diagnosis and recently developed treatments, the life expectancy of children with sickle cell disease has increased to 98%

Empowering local communities through shared discoveries

St. Jude freely shares its breakthroughs with doctors and scientists in your community and around the world, so that kids like Craig can go on to lead fulfilling lives.