Wow! John and I had scheduled a visit to St. Jude Children's Hospital as a part of our pre-promo day in Memphis. Not expecting what we were going to run into (as usual), we walked in with open minds to hear quite an amazing story.
We jumped right in and learned about how St. Jude's was built from the ground up. Danny Thomas, an entertainer from the 40's (comparable to Conan in our day), aways had a vision to do something big. As a struggling entertainer and a part-time employee at a local grocery store, he just wasn't making it. In fact, he couldn't even pay his hospital bill for his first born baby girl of $57.00. That being said, his wife sure was a strong advocate for him to leave the entertainment business. In pure desperation in the 40's, Danny got down on his knees and prayed with every ounce of strength in him to St. Jude - hoping that he would catch a break in the biz. His prayer to St. Jude included a promise that he would build a shrine in return of being able to achieve his dream. Not only did Danny Thomas share this prayer with St. Jude, but also with his good friend and mentor in New York City.
Not less than a week later, Danny got a phone call for a gig (and his first break) in Los Angeles. And how much did this pay? You got it. $57.00. Coincidence? I think not.
Many years later in the early 60's during the Civil Rights Movement, Danny heard about a young African American boy who was turned away from being treated due to his race. This really cut him up and he started to think; think big. His vision started on a simple restaurant napkin and a sharpie. (Most good ideas do - my dad is living proof). Danny scribbled his hope and vision of a children's hospital Memphis, TN, free of any and all discrimination. Danny's good friend and mentor from NYC agreed that it was about time to fulfill his vision that he shared with him over 20 years prior. And so it was built: St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Here, every single kid under 19 years of age, could receive treatment for free in an uplifting and positive atmosphere.
Notable supporters of this great mission are and have been Carrie Underwood, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. This story truly touched my heart and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to visit this place that holds so much hope.
Will write more later.
ANW
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