Today is cancer survivors day. You think St. Jude is just another hospital for children? YOU ARE WRONG. There are many things that make St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital one of a kind. For starters this is no ordinary hospital. This is the top pediatric cancer facility in the World. Not only do they treat children with pediatric cancer, they also conduct research, including research for ALS, and they share this research with other hospitals. This has helped increased the survivor rate to more than 80%.*
Today is National Cancer Survivors Day and it made me think of all the children who got a second chance of life thanks to St. Jude. So how does St. Jude do it? First and foremost, St. Jude treats patients free of cost. This means that even families who can’t afford cancer treatment can receive treatment at St. Jude, this alone increases that child’s rate of survival. St. Jude takes pride in being able to provide top care, because children matter. As a mom who has paid for cancer treatment I can tell you St. Jude is doing something AMAZING, for the families. The monetary burden of cancer can be detrimental to treatment, by alleviating this burden families and patients can focus on the positive and strive while under treatment.
But aside from the research and free treatment St. Jude also stands out because of their facilities. I was blown away during out visit last year. From their long-term housing to the cafeteria, with incredible dining, to the classrooms, St. Jude doesn’t cut corners when it comes to being on top. They really pay attention to every details to make the children’s stay the most comfortable stay possible under the circumstances. A quick example is the little wagons used for transportation. This makes kids more comfortable than a wheel chair or a hospital bed. Catering meals under special circumstances in another way that they aim to please the children under their care.
Thoughts
Today made me remember our tour guide Taide. She was diagnosed with leukemia when she was 7 years old, She fought cancer at St. Jude until she was 13. Now she says she works for St. Jude to repay what they gave her. She lives thanks to the hospital, and she’s not the only one. Like her there are many children, all over the world, who benefit from the research findings at the hospital.
St. Jude is a special place. There is no other place where children are so well taken care of for nothing. All St. Jude wants to do is give these children and all children battling pediatric cancer a chance to be a survivor. I encourage you to donate to St. Jude. Your donation can mean another day to a child. Donate here.
Today I want to celebrate all survivors but of course, I celebrate my special survivor, Glenn. May you continue to live every day to the fullest!
*Statement from St. Jude webpage. I am proud to be a St. Jude Blogger Ambassador. All opinions are my own.
