Jordan Ellis
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a pediatric treatment and research hospital, was founded by entertainer Danny Thomas on February 4, 1962, in Memphis, Tennessee. The hospital was founded on the premise that no child should die in the dawn of life. Since its opening, St. Jude has made significant strides in childhood cancer research, improving the survival rate of childhood cancer from 20% to over 80%. The hospital's work has saved the lives of countless children and their families.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date founded | 4 February 1962 |
| Founder | Entertainer Danny Thomas |
| Location | Memphis, Tennessee |
| Focus | Pediatric treatment and research, particularly leukemia and other cancers |
| Funding | Donations, government grants, insurance recoveries, and American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC) |
| Patient care | Free treatment for children up to age 21, and for some conditions, up to age 25 |
| Achievements | Improved survival rates for childhood cancers, advancements in pediatric cancer research, and contributions to the understanding and treatment of infectious diseases |
| Affiliations | Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Children's Cancer Center of Lebanon, and various domestic and global affiliates |
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What You'll Learn
- Entertainer Danny Thomas founded St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in 1962
- The hospital was named after Thomas's patron saint, St. Jude Thaddeus
- Thomas vowed to St. Jude that he would build him a shrine if he helped him find success
- St. Jude is a secular institution unaffiliated with any religious organisations
- The hospital is a 501(c)(3) designated nonprofit medical corporation
Entertainer Danny Thomas founded St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in 1962
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital was founded by entertainer Danny Thomas on February 4, 1962, in Memphis, Tennessee, before a crowd of 9,000 people. Thomas, who would go on to become one of the biggest stars of radio, film, and television, had vowed to build a hospital if he ever became famous. As a young man with a baby on the way, Thomas was struggling to find work. He turned to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless causes, and vowed, "Show me my way in life, and I will build you a shrine."
Thomas's prayer was answered, and he soon began to find work. He would later star on Make Room for Daddy, later known as The Danny Thomas Show. Thomas used his fame to fulfill his vow to St. Jude Thaddeus, changing the lives of thousands of children and their families. In the years leading up to the founding of the hospital, Thomas and his wife, Rose Marie, travelled across the United States, speaking about his dream of building St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and asking for support.
Thomas also sought support from his fellow Americans of Arabic-speaking descent, believing that by supporting St. Jude, this group could thank the United States for the freedoms enjoyed by their parents and honor their forefathers who had immigrated to the country. In 1957, 100 representatives of the Arab-American community met in Chicago to form ALSAC, a semi-independent entity with the sole purpose of raising funds for St. Jude. Since then, ALSAC has been responsible for all the hospital's fundraising efforts, raising hundreds of millions of dollars annually through benefits and solicitation drives among Americans of all backgrounds.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital opened its doors with the premise that "no child should die in the dawn of life." The hospital was the first integrated children's hospital in the South and has since become a world-renowned research institution, making incredible strides in childhood cancer research. St. Jude has helped improve the survival rate of childhood cancer from 20% when the hospital opened to more than 80% today. The hospital has also contributed to the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases such as influenza and HIV/AIDS, as well as non-malignant hematological diseases, including sickle cell disease.
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The hospital was named after Thomas's patron saint, St. Jude Thaddeus
The history of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital is a fascinating one, with its roots stretching back to the mid-20th century. The hospital was established by a man named Thomas, who wanted to honour his patron saint, St. Jude Thaddeus. Thomas had a deep devotion to St. Jude, and this inspiration led to the hospital's founding in 1962.
The name 'St. Jude' carries a special significance. St. Jude Thaddeus is known as the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes, often depicted as an advocate and a source of hope for those facing seemingly insurmountable odds. Thomas, the founder of the hospital, likely felt a strong connection to this saint, and his namesake hospital reflects this enduring devotion.
By naming the hospital after St. Jude, Thomas imbued it with a sense of purpose and mission. The hospital became a beacon of hope and a symbol of unwavering dedication to helping children facing life-threatening illnesses. The choice of name reflects the founder's belief in the power of faith and the importance of providing support and comfort to those in their darkest hours.
This connection to a saint known for answering prayers and offering hope in desperate times sends a powerful message to the families and children seeking treatment. It symbolizes a commitment to providing not just medical care but also emotional and spiritual support during trying times.
Today, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital continues to carry the legacy of its name, offering cutting-edge treatment and research while providing a haven of hope and support for children and their families. The name, inspired by Thomas' patron saint, serves as a constant reminder of the hospital's founding principles and its ongoing mission to bring light and healing to those in need.
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Thomas vowed to St. Jude that he would build him a shrine if he helped him find success
In the early 20th century, a young man named Thomas McGlynn immigrated to the United States from Ireland in pursuit of a better life. Like many immigrants of that era, he faced numerous challenges and struggled to find stability and success in his new homeland. During this difficult period, he developed a strong devotion to Saint Jude, the patron saint of hopeless causes and desperate situations.
Thomas deeply identified with Saint Jude's symbolism of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. He prayed fervently to the saint, seeking guidance and assistance in his endeavors. In a heartfelt display of faith and desperation, Thomas made a vow to Saint Jude, promising that if the saint interceded and helped him find success, he would show his gratitude by building a shrine in the saint's honor.
Thomas' vow was a testament to his strong Catholic faith and the importance he placed on divine intervention during trying times. Making such a promise was not uncommon among devout Catholics, who often turned to saints as heavenly advocates, pleading for their intercession with God. In Thomas' case, his devotion to Saint Jude became a source of spiritual strength and a symbol of his determination to overcome his struggles.
Fortunately for Thomas, his prayers were seemingly answered. Over time, his circumstances improved, and he found the success and stability he had long sought. True to his word and filled with gratitude, Thomas set out to fulfill his vow to Saint Jude. He embarked on a mission to build a shrine that would not only honor the saint but also become a place of solace and hope for those facing their own desperate situations.
With dedication and perseverance, Thomas worked tirelessly to bring his vision to life. He sought donations and support from those who shared his devotion to Saint Jude, and slowly but surely, his dream began to take shape. The result of his efforts was the establishment of the National Shrine of Saint Jude, which opened its doors in Chicago, Illinois, in 1929. The shrine became a place of pilgrimage for devotees seeking comfort and miracles through the intercession of Saint Jude.
Thomas' story and his vow to Saint Jude not only led to the creation of a sacred space that has offered solace to countless individuals over the decades but also stands as a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of seemingly hopeless situations, there is always the potential for success and transformation.
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St. Jude is a secular institution unaffiliated with any religious organisations
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital was founded by entertainer Danny Thomas on 4 February 1962. It is named after Danny Thomas's patron saint, St. Jude Thaddeus, but it is not a Catholic hospital. It is a secular institution unaffiliated with any religious organisations.
Danny Thomas was a young entertainer struggling to find work when he turned to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless causes. He made a prayer and a vow: "Show me my way in life, and I will build you a shrine." Soon after, he began to find work, eventually becoming one of the biggest stars of radio, film, and television in his day. He fulfilled his vow to St. Jude Thaddeus by founding St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Thomas wanted St. Jude to be more than a general children's hospital. At the time, the survival rate for childhood cancers was just 20%, and for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood cancer, only 4% of children would survive. Thomas believed that St. Jude could help families with children suffering from these deadly diseases. He wanted St. Jude to be a unique research institution where the world's best doctors and scientists would work together to cure childhood cancer, sickle cell, and other deadly diseases.
Thomas also wanted to remove the burden of treatment costs from families, so they could focus on their child. To fund the hospital, Thomas and his wife, Rose Marie, travelled across the United States, speaking about his dream of building St. Jude to anyone who would listen. Thomas also turned to his fellow Americans of Arabic-speaking descent, believing that by supporting St. Jude, this group could thank the United States for the freedoms given to their parents and honour their forefathers who had immigrated to the country. In 1957, 100 representatives of the Arab-American community met in Chicago to form ALSAC, with the sole purpose of raising funds for St. Jude.
Since then, ALSAC has been responsible for all the hospital's fundraising efforts, raising hundreds of millions of dollars annually through benefits and solicitation drives among Americans of all backgrounds. Today, St. Jude is one of the largest and most beloved healthcare charities in the country, blending clinical care with scientific research. The hospital has helped improve the survival rate of childhood cancer from 20% to over 80%.
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The hospital is a 501(c)(3) designated nonprofit medical corporation
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital was founded on February 4, 1962, in Memphis, Tennessee, by entertainer Danny Thomas. It is a 501(c)(3) designated nonprofit medical corporation. This means that St. Jude relies on donations and fundraising efforts to sustain its operations and does not charge patients for care.
The idea for the hospital was born years earlier when Thomas, then a struggling young entertainer, turned to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless causes. He vowed to the saint, "Show me my way in life, and I will build you a shrine." Soon after, Thomas began to find success in radio, film, and television, eventually becoming one of the world's biggest celebrities. He used his fame and influence to fulfill his vow, working with a group of Memphis businessmen to turn his vision into a reality.
Thomas wanted St. Jude to be more than just a general children's hospital. At the time, the survival rate for childhood cancers was only 20%, and for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common form, it was a mere 4%. Thomas and his supporters aimed to create a unique research institution where the world's top doctors and scientists would collaborate to find cures for childhood cancer, sickle cell disease, and other deadly diseases. They also wanted to remove the financial burden of treatment costs from families, allowing them to focus on their children's health.
Since its founding, St. Jude has made significant strides in childhood cancer research and treatment. The hospital has helped improve the survival rate of childhood cancer from 20% to over 80% today. The hospital has also contributed to the understanding and treatment of other diseases, such as infectious diseases like influenza and HIV/AIDS, and non-malignant hematological diseases, including sickle cell disease. St. Jude's research has provided insights into how normal cells work and how alterations in DNA contribute to the development of cancer and other childhood catastrophic diseases, leading to improvements in diagnosis and treatment.
St. Jude's fundraising efforts have been supported by various groups and individuals over the years. Thomas and his wife, Rose Marie, tirelessly promoted his dream of building the hospital, seeking support from Americans of Arabic-speaking descent, among others. In 1957, 100 representatives of the Arab-American community formed ALSAC, a semi-independent entity dedicated to raising funds and promoting awareness for St. Jude. Today, ALSAC is the nation's second-largest healthcare charity and continues to play a crucial role in the hospital's fundraising efforts.
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Frequently asked questions
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital was founded on February 4, 1962.
The hospital was founded by entertainer Danny Thomas, with help from Lemuel Diggs and Thomas' close friend from Miami, automobile dealer Anthony Abraham.
Thomas founded the hospital after vowing to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless causes, that he would build the saint a shrine if he was successful in his career.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a nonprofit medical corporation that focuses on treating children with catastrophic diseases, particularly leukemia and other cancers. The hospital does not charge patients for care.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is funded by donations from the public and government grants. The principal source of funding comes from the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC), a fundraising organisation founded in 1957.
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