St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is located in Memphis, Tennessee, and is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It was founded by entertainer Danny Thomas in 1962 and is supported by funds from volunteer contributions raised by the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC), the fundraising organization for St. Jude, as well as from research grants, insurance recoveries and investment returns.
St. Jude has treated children from all 50 states and across the world, with more than 8,000 patients seen at St. Jude annually, most of whom are treated on a continuing outpatient basis and are part of ongoing research programs. It also maintains 73 beds for patients requiring hospitalization during treatment. At St. Jude, no child is ever turned away on the basis of their race, ethnicity, beliefs or ability to pay.
ESA adopted St. Jude as its major philanthropic project in 1972. Since then, ESA has raised more than $300 million for the kids at St. Jude and is the hospital’s largest third-party donor. Indiana ESA members support St. Jude fundraising efforts through chapter projects, including golf outings, volunteering at radiothons and the annual St. Jude Run in Indianapolis during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and participating in St Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend in December.
In 2022, ESA celebrated more than 50 years of partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, taking part in the 50/50 Challenge, raising 50 donations of $50 each for St. Jude! For more information, contact Aphrodite Hudson, the Indiana State Council Senior St. Jude Coordinator.
Source: Facts for Media,Epsilon Sigma Alpha International – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Terre Thomas and St. Jude Contributions 2024-2025