Every year, thousands of children face the devastating diagnosis of childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital exists to change that reality - leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats these catastrophic illnesses. Founded by entertainer Danny Thomas in 1962 with a vow to build a shrine if shown his way in life, St. Jude has since transformed pediatric cancer care and research globally.
What makes St. Jude truly revolutionary is its commitment that families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food - ensuring that cost never stands between a child and life-saving care. As the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children, St. Jude has helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% in 1962 to more than 80% today. The hospital freely shares its discoveries with the global scientific community, accelerating cures worldwide through its St. Jude Global initiative.