The Culture Mom was invited to Memphis, Tennessee to participate in an informative few days with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The trip was sponsored by Expedia. September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Expedia is doing their part in all of this by launching over 150 travel giveaways and exclusive hotel coupons to help travelers support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It’s such a great way to be a part of this amazing hospital and everything St Jude has created. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital opened in 1962 and was founded by the entertainer Danny Thomas.
The story goes… Danny Thomas’ wife had just given birth to their child. Danny – in the early stages of his career- could not afford the $50 to have them released from the hospital. He went to the nearby catholic church and prayed – If you help me, I will build a shrine for you – shortly he got a job for $75 and paid the hospital. Years later… St. Jude – the saint for hopeless causes- was built.
We met with some of the doctors and staff of the hospital and it really puts you at ease to know that these passionate professionals at the height of their field are working hard to cure childhood cancer. Just knowing how much their jobs means to them shows they really aren’t jobs at all, but a calling… higher calling.
For me, reporting this story brings tears of sorrow and tears of ultimate joy. The amazing things going on at S.t Jude are nothing short of a miracle. Danny Thomas was a visionary and his mission to eradicate childhood cancer is much closer than we know.
While I was visiting Expedia hosted an “AROUND THE WORLD” themed party.
Food, crafts and even DANCE; Mikella of Travel Bare Feet taught dance from all around the world. Dance is a healing art!
The kids and their families enjoyed the food and music, as well as the social aspect of it all.
I played catch with one very special kid who stole my heart! It was humbling to see the strength these families had when faced with such a serious event in their child’s lives. I was counting my blessing every single moment. St. Jude houses the families of the children being treated in the hospital and long term care families are hosted in the Target House. The Target House is beautiful and no design element is spared. Each common room is sponsored by a celebrity or a corporation. From Shaun White and Tiger Woods to Proctor and Gamble. The apartments within the Target House are just right to comfortably fit a family of 4.
A few facts about St. Jude’s:
– -No family ever pays St. Jude fro anything. Not one single dime. Nothing.
– -Daily operating costs are 1.7 million, which is primarily covered by public contributions.
– -In 1962 – the survival rate for acute lymphoblastic Leukemia- the most common form of childhood cancer- was 4%. Today.. .survival rate 94%.
– -St. Jude is the FIRST AND ONLY National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted to children.
– -The Flu vaccine was developed at St Jude
– -St Jude accepts patients up to 18 years of age and cares for them for a lifetime.
– -Although there are only 78 beds in the hospital for in-patient care, they still see close to 7800 patients a year on an out-patient care basis.
– -Since patients come from all over the world no comfort food request goes unnoticed. Whether it’s a Chinese black chicken with noodles or mac ‘n cheese “just like grandma’s” the chefs at St Jude are dedicated to bringing every bit of comfort to these patients.
– The chefs also have a small volunteer run vegetable garden from which the harvest goes directly to the kitchens.
– The hospital walls are dripping with gorgeous uplifting murals, most times you forget that you are in a hospital.
– St. Jude offers counseling to siblings, and family members of the kids being treated. There is also a special day called “ siblings day” where the party is JUST for the siblings. Many times when there is a sick child, the siblings don’t get as much attention, St Jude has programs in place to address such issues.
– The kids go to prom.. complete with spa services, dresses, limo, red carpet… all in-house. But nothing is spared!
Facts about Target House:
– Built on property rented via the Catholic Diocese for $1 per year.
– Elephants everywhere- since Elephants represent good luck, There are elephant structures and painting and touches all over in every single room.
– Amy Grant donated and designed the Music Room so kids can continue their music classes while being treated at St Jude.
– When families are coming in, the staff asks the families for tips to keep the apartments “homey”- they include favorite colors, favorite characters so they can include that in the design.
– Since wall paper has chemicals that can harm the kids, wall paper is picked out but painted on precisely.
– There is a teen room – no adults allowed!
– 30 Riding toys for kids to ride around campus. Trikes and bikes and scooters and wagons! But no driving rules.. so watch out!
– Arts and Crafts room donated by Scott Hamilton. (my fave)
– There are special SPA, Hair, Gym rooms where kids get professional stylists to come in and do their hair, nails… etc.
Your environment effects your mood and this design therapy is significant… a detail that is lost in everyday life but oh so very very important.
As you can see… there is a lot of good going on over there in Memphis. So what do you say… be a part of the EXPEDIA/ ST JUDE partnership. Go travel someplace and save money doing it. And don’t forget to enter to win one mama jama trip!
Maria Calaco is a dancer, choreographer and social media creative based in NYC. She also writes for multiple outlets including THE NEW YORK MOM.
Disclosure: Maria was invited on behalf of The Culture Mom to the Expedia event at St. Jude. All opinions are her own and we are grateful for her post.
Follow
Speak Your Mind