St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, located in Memphis, Tennessee, treats children from all over the world who suffer from rare forms of cancer and other incurable illnesses. Its daily operating costs of $1.6 million are primarily funded by charitable contributions.
History
Actor Danny Thomas and several friends and businessmen decided to raise funds for a research facility dedicated to treating rare and deadly children's diseases. The hospital opened its doors to the public in 1962.
Function
The pediatric hospital primarily researches treatments for various forms of children's cancer, although other genetic disorders and diseases are also studied. Patient treatment is part of the ongoing research protocol.
Features
Thanks to a recent expansion, St. Jude has 2.5 million square feet of space dedicated to cancer research, onsite production of vaccines and treatments, radiation therapy and other forms of cutting-edge technology dedicated to the study of devastating diseases in children.
Considerations
Patients must be referred by their regular physicians for treatment, and only patients whose illnesses fit the parameters of open studies at the hospital will be accepted.
Benefits
St. Jude treats all eligible patients, regardless of their families' abilities to pay for care. Any costs not covered by insurance are absorbed by the hospital, as are all treatment costs for uninsured patients. Additionally, the facility helps families with transportation and lodging costs incurred by ongoing treatment.
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