Did you know that families of St. Jude patients never receive a bill for treatment, housing, food, or travel? Since Danny Thomas opened the doors of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in 1962, it has stood as the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center focused solely on children.
“Nobody should die in the dawn of life,” Danny Thomas declared when he founded St. Jude.
Guided by his dream, the researchers and caregivers of St. Jude have worked tirelessly to improve outcomes, pushing the overall childhood cancer survival rate in the U.S. from 20% to more than 80%. Thanks to the generosity of donors, Thomas’s vision continues to thrive.
Now, with St. Jude’s Marathon Weekend just weeks away, supporters have the chance to contribute to the hospital’s mission. This event, the largest fundraiser for St. Jude, has already raised over $6 million, helping to fund groundbreaking research and compassionate care for children fighting for their futures.
More than 26,000 runners will gather in Memphis on Sat., Dec. 7 to support St. Jude’s life-changing mission. While spots are available for the half marathon, 10k, 5k, or the 2-race challenge, the marathon race is fully booked.
Running for St. Jude is inspiring and transformative. When I ran the half marathon at 16-years-old, the supportive energy of Memphians fueled every step. With Memphians cheering from every sidewalk, shaking pom-poms, and raising their handmade signs, you feel invincible. But the most rewarding part was running through the St. Jude campus.
“The race was just as impactful as everyone said it would be. I saw a patient holding a sign reading ‘thanks for helping pay my bill,’ and I about lost it on mile 10,” Brooke Holloway said in her Instagram post after finishing her half marathon last year, “If I’m going to pay a lot of money to run around for 2 hours, I’m sure glad it went to help this kid and all the others at St. Jude.”
There are no dull moments during this race. If you haven’t trained enough to join the runners, stand on the sidewalk with the supporters. It will be just as fun. The 5K and 10K start at 7 a.m., and the half and full Marathon begin at 8 a.m.
Each runner, donor, and supporter contributes to the powerful mission of St. Jude, helping to bring hope and healing to children and their families. Marathon Weekend is more than a race—it’s a celebration of community and the impact we can make together.
For more inspiring stories and updates on how to get involved, follow us on Instagram and visit St. Jude’s website at stjude.org. Together, let’s help make a difference in the lives of St. Jude families!
