18 St Jude Children's Research Hospital Facts: A Must Read!
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There are a lot of children's hospitals in the world, but the story of St Jude Children's Research Hospital is one worth telling.
This is a health institute that truly makes a difference in the lives of kids and families who are facing their darkest hours. Since St Jude Children's Research Hospital opened its doors in 1962, it has been dedicated to finding cures and saving lives.
With the help of researchers and doctors, St Jude has made some incredible advances in the fight against pediatric cancer.
The hospital was founded by Danny Thomas, a famous actor and comedian. Over the years, St Jude has become an important medical institution.
It was the first to use a bone marrow transplant to find a cure for sickle cell disease and it now boasts one of the country's largest pediatric sickle cell programmes. Doctors and scientists at this institute have treated numerous children and young adults and saved many from catastrophic diseases.
That's why St Jude is such an important place. It's not only saving lives but also making history!
History Of St Jude Children's Research Hospital
St Jude Children's Research Hospital is an established pediatric cancer treatment center, with it's origins in one person's promise.
Danny Thomas, an American entertainer and philanthropist established St Jude in 1962, with the support of Lemuel Diggs and Thomas' close friend from Miami, automotive salesman, Anthony Abraham.
Thomas had a vision for St Jude, that no children should die in the dawn of life.
Thomas was actually a Maronite Catholic and had made a pledge to St Jude Thaddeus years before he achieved success in his career. He'd promised that if the saint helped him find success, he would one day build a shrine in his honor, which is exactly what he did!
The story behind the founding of St Jude is an inspirational one. Danny Thomas started off as a struggling comedian. When his first child was about to be born, he went to Mass in Detroit and presented an offering of $7 to Saint Jude Thaddeus for intercession, so that his wife and children wouldn't struggle any longer.
A week later, his family received news that would change their lives; Thomas had landed a well-paid role. He was convinced that Saint Jude had answered his prayers.
Later on, when he found himself struggling again, he once more turned to prayer and his prayers were answered. Thomas then established the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC) in 1957.
St Jude Hospital has been an active fundraising partner of the charity in the decades since its founding.
ALSAC helps to raise the necessary donations to keep the hospital's doors open and its treatments free of charge for patients and families.
Corporate Building: St Jude Children's Research Hospital
The corporate structure of St Jude has changed a lot since its early days in Memphis. Today St Jude is run by a number of well-established bodies.
The ALSAC/St Jude Boards of Directors and Governors carry the responsibility of managing organisations by setting broad frameworks for policies and monitoring the work of the chief executives.
They also ensure that financial resources are maintained by seeing to yearly budgets and mapping out financial strategies.
The board also makes sure that the ethics and standards of the institutions are duly upheld.
Honors And Accomplishments: Work Done
The St Jude staff are consistently regarded as the finest in their disciplines and continue to add to the hospital's legacy of accomplishments.
Peter C. Doherty, of St Jude Children's Research Hospital, was a co-recipient of the 1996 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
The distinction was for his research on virus-infected cells and the immune system.
The institution has also received a number of workplace awards, such as Commercial Appeal's Top Workplace Awards for Meaningfulness, New Ideas Award, and Leadership.
It was named a top pediatric cancer institute in the US News and World Report's Best Children's Hospital rankings.
Related Hospitals: St Jude Children's Research Hospital
Through its Domestic Affiliates Program, St Jude has extended its reach to several other hospitals and clinics for a common cause.
Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Louisiana, The Children's Hospital at Saint Francis, Missouri, and Huntsville Hospital in Alabama are a few sites responsible for referring patients to St Jude.
St Jude works in close collaboration with Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, which is also located in Memphis, Tennessee.
Patients from St Jude who require particular treatments, such as brain surgery, maybe treated at LeBonheur Hospital.
FAQs
How much money does the CEO of St Jude make?
The current CEO of St Jude, James R. Downing, made a base salary of $2,324,885 in 2020.
What is the survival rate at St Jude?
For childhood cancer in general, the survival rate is around 80%. For acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), it's 94% at St Jude. For this reason, the institute often receives some of the toughest cases. St Jude Global has helped increase survival rates all around the world and continues to do so.
Where is St Jude hospital?
St Jude is located in Memphis, Tennessee.
How many St Jude hospitals are there?
The one and only St Jude Children's Research Hospital is in Memphis, but its eight affiliate clinics are dotted across the United States.
How does a child get into St Jude?
Patients must be qualified for one of the open clinical trials or fulfil some additional requirements, pertaining to their age and condition, to be admitted at St Jude.
When was St Jude founded?
St Jude has been treating children since it's founding in 1962.
How does St Jude make money?
Generous donations, partners, and fundraising events are major actors in funding St Jude. The children receive treatment and services with no bill from St Jude whatsoever. It also receives grants from National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Who owns St Jude Children's Hospital?
ALSAC (American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities) is a non-profit organisation that owns and operates St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
How does St Jude work?
Patient care expenses, everything from treatment to travel, are covered entirely by the institute. The parents or guardians of the kids may stay in housing facilities and other services such as translation or deliveries are available. St Jude treats more than 8000 children each year.
Who does St Jude help?
The doctors at St Jude helps children with catastrophic diseases, primarily childhood cancers. Scientists conduct research to find cures for such diseases.
Where is St Jude Cancer Center located?
The hospital is the cancer center! St Jude is also a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated to research and community outreach.
Is St Jude only for cancer?
St Jude Children's Research Hospital provides treatment programs for brain tumors, blood disorders, pediatric AIDS, and also performs bone marrow transplants.
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