The origins of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital date back to 1962 when entertainer Danny Thomas opened its doors in Memphis, Tennessee. Thomas dedicated over a decade to fundraising efforts, traveling across the country and enlisting the help of his Hollywood friends to support the cause. St. Jude was established to serve children facing pediatric cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, with a commitment to providing free services to families in need.
The Thomas family, including Marlo Thomas, Tony Thomas, and Terre Thomas, have played a crucial role in the ongoing success of St. Jude. They have been actively involved in fundraising campaigns and continue to support the institution that their father worked tirelessly to build. Currently, the Thomas siblings are leading the annual Thanks and Giving holiday drive, which has raised an impressive $1 billion over the past 22 years.
Marlo Thomas emphasizes the importance of St. Jude’s mission, highlighting the fact that no family is burdened with the cost of treatment, travel, housing, or food. This commitment to providing equal access to care for children of all backgrounds and religions stems from Danny Thomas’ own experiences growing up in an immigrant neighborhood in Toledo, Ohio. Witnessing the tragic consequences of families unable to afford medical care left a lasting impression on him, inspiring his vision for a hospital that would offer top-notch care free of charge.
The Thomas family’s dedication to St. Jude continues to honor Danny Thomas’ legacy, ensuring that his dream of providing exceptional healthcare to children in need is upheld. Through their efforts, St. Jude has become a world-renowned institution that embodies compassion and excellence in pediatric care.
To learn more about the incredible story of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the ongoing impact of the Thomas family, tune in to the Daily Variety podcast on iHeartPodcasts, Apple Podcasts, Variety’s YouTube Podcast channel, Amazon Music, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. Join the Thomas siblings in their mission to support St. Jude and make a difference in the lives of children facing serious illnesses.
