It was an incredible experience to learn about St. Jude and ALSAC culture and to hear the patients’ stories of courage and resilience.
Attending the St. Jude Celebration of Hope 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee, was a truly remarkable experience. As an ambassador for St. Jude, I have been working with them to help spread awareness and help raise funds in support of their mission. St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Plus, no family receives a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food—so they can focus on helping their child live. The St. Jude Celebration of Hope Homecoming experience reinforced and impressed upon me the St. Jude culture and why we should keep supporting their lifesaving mission.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® is an amazing institution started by Danny Thomas in 1962 and has been pivotal in the desegregation efforts, as it was the first hospital to provide care for children around the world regardless of race, creed, or economic status. It is incredible that St. Jude treats 8,500 children annually with their commitment to providing quality medical care for all patients without any discrimination whatsoever!
Furthermore, it is important to note that ⅓ of children diagnosed with cancer are Black. This statistic highlights how cancer does not discriminate between races or socio-economic backgrounds when selecting its victims. St. Jude continues today as a beacon of hope and compassion for those seeking treatment for childhood cancer and related diseases through its dedication to providing equitable healthcare access worldwide.
It was an incredible experience to hear the stories of courage and resilience from St. Jude patients and their families. Learning more about ALSAC’s (American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities) mission to raise the funds and awareness needed to operate and maintain St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® was also a plus.
Meeting new friends and being entertained by JP Morton, Major, Doe, and other talented artists was an absolute pleasure. A special shoutout to Ekimini Uwan of ‘Truth’s Table’ and Patricia Taylor from ‘Some Thoughts from Your Black Friend’! I am genuinely grateful for this partnership, which provides hope and support for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. It is amazing how much good can be done when we all come together with a common purpose – helping those who need it most!
St. Jude is a true blessing in little people and their families’ lives, providing them with a safe space to heal and thrive. Every child deserves the chance to live life to its fullest potential, and the St. Jude staff has dedicated itself to making that dream come true for all children fighting childhood cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
Your support makes an incredible difference – please consider donating today at stjude.org/donatetoday so these brave kids can have every opportunity for success!
