St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Celebrates 64 Years Of Saving Children's Lives

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This week marks the 64th anniversary of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which was founded in 1962 by entertainer Danny Thomas. In the early days, survival rates for some pediatric cancers were less than 10%, but thanks to St. Jude's groundbreaking research, survival rates for certain childhood cancers now exceed 90%, with overall pediatric cancer survival above 80%. St. Jude operates on a unique model where no family ever receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing, food, or transportation.

Why it matters

St. Jude's mission to provide free, world-class care and research has transformed the outlook for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The hospital's discoveries are freely shared globally, multiplying the impact of every breakthrough and saving countless lives around the world.

The details

Danny Thomas founded St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in 1962 after making a vow to build a shrine to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of lost causes, if he was shown his life's purpose. The hospital operates on a unique model where no family ever receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing, food, or transportation, allowing parents to focus on helping their child heal. To support this mission, Thomas helped establish ALSAC, the fundraising organization that ensures St. Jude can continue operating and researching cures every single day.

• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital opened its doors on February 4, 1962.
• This week marks the 64th anniversary of the hospital's founding.

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