What makes St. Jude hospital different from other pediatric cancer centers?
Everything is under one roof. That was a key part of my father’s vision. We all eat in the same cafeteria — patients, Nobel Laureates, families. Every child has a scientist and a doctor on his case. At other institutions, scientists would have little contact with patients. Tell us about the Thanks and Giving campaign. The motto is: “Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not.” I tell families that when you’re out shopping, looking forward to the holidays and spending time with loved ones, think about those families who are fighting for their kids’ lives. A lot of people are feeling financially strapped these days. Does that worry you? Even in these bad economic times, everyone can afford to give a dollar. And 85 cents of every dollar goes directly to research and treatment. We are dependent on public funds because we have so few paying customers. The average hospital only has to get 8% of its budget from the public; we have to get 72%. Companies can c
