Press Releases
Sample Work: Press Release from internship with ALSAC/St. Jude
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital patients join video call of a lifetime with Inspriation4 astronauts orbiting Earth
St. Jude cancer survivor, physician assistant, astronaut Hayley Arceneaux inspires kids to believe anything is possible.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Sept. 17, 2021) – Yesterday while soaring through space, the four astronauts on the Inspiration4 mission hosted a video call of a lifetime for several "stars" back on Earth – that is, children being treated for cancer and other catastrophic diseases at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®.
The crew entertained questions from the patients while tossing Peanut M&M'S® candy to each other in zero gravity. St. Jude survivor, now St. Jude physician assistant Hayley Arceneaux addressed the kids' questions in English and Spanish while hanging upside down and dodging "Jude," the golden retriever plush dog that was floating in zero gravity.
Some of the age-old mysteries of space were addressed in the call, such as:
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"Are there cows on the moon?"
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"How crazy was it going 1,000 mph out of the atmosphere?" (In reality, the crew travels at a speed of 17,500 mph.)
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"¿Cómo te peina el cabello en el espacio?"
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"What is your favorite space food?"
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"Is there such things as aliens in space?"
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"Can you fall in space since there is no gravity?"
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St. Jude patients who participated in the life-changing video call ranged in age from six to 15, including: 15-year-old Tyler, 14-year-old Jackson, 11-year-old Colton, 9-year-old Alana, 8-year-old Vanessa, 7-year-old Gabriel, 6-year-old Ava, 6-year-old Matthew and 6-year-old Luna.
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Inspiration4 is the world's first all-civilian crew to orbit the Earth that launched from Cape Canaveral at NASA's Kennedy Space Center at 7:02 p.m. CT, Wednesday, Sept. 15. Commander Jared Isaacman selected St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as its beneficiary and committed $100 million to St. Jude to inspire others to raise an additional $100 million to accelerate research on devastating childhood diseases and save children all over the world.
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The Inspiration4 crew comprises Isaacman, Hayley Arceneaux, a St. Jude cancer survivor and physician assistant, Dr. Sian Proctor and Chris Sembroski. They will orbit the Earth for multiple days on the Dragon spacecraft, before they return to Earth with a smooth water landing, which can be streamed live on stjude.org/inspiration4.
Hosted by St. Jude survivor Joel Alsup, this video call was the first footage of the crew released in space.
To view the full patient interaction, visit the St. Jude YouTube channel. For more information, visit the Inspiration4 electronic media kit.
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About Inspiration4
Inspiration4 is the world's first all-civilian mission to orbit Earth. Commander Jared Isaacman selected St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as its beneficiary and committed $100 million to St. Jude to inspire others to raise an additional $100 million to accelerate research on devastating childhood diseases and save children all over the world. Isaacman donated two seats to St. Jude, one occupied by 29-year-old Hayley Arceneaux, pediatric cancer survivor and physician assistant at St. Jude. Arceneaux represents the pillar of Hope. The four crew members, including Isaacman and Arceneaux, boarded the Falcon 9 launch vehicle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on September 15, 2021 and are currently orbiting the Earth on the Dragon spacecraft.
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About St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.
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Click here to see the live story.
Sample Work: Press Release from internship with ALSAC/St. Jude
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
World-renowned artist Romero Britto shares artistic talent with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for Inspiration4 mission
Exclusive opportunities, auction items available throughout September
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Sept. 15, 2021) – This September, in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, world-renowned artist Romero Britto will lend his talents to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® and its fundraising efforts behind Inspiration4, the world's first all-civilian mission to orbit.
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Britto will participate in several in-person and virtual activities to raise awareness and support for the lifesaving mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving children.®
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With his artistic talent and generous spirit, Britto is sure to bring color and vision to Inspiration4 events in the coming weeks. Britto's support will include:
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Sketching blank coloring pages for the Inspiration4 crew to bring to life in space. The crew's art pages will be auctioned off to benefit St. Jude after the space mission;
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Designing a t-shirt that will be unveiled at an event benefitting St. Jude after the Inspiration4 crew returns from space;
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Finishing an original art piece live during a private dinner surrounded by vintage planes in a hangar in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Sept. 14 to be auctioned off on CharityBuzz;
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Hosting a virtual art party with a member of the Inspiration4 crew and a lucky auction winner.
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In honor of Inspiration4, Britto will also donate a portion of the sale from two original art NFTs, a type of digital asset designed to show ownership of a unique virtual item, that will be auctioned to support St. Jude.
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Britto's longtime commitment to supporting St. Jude traces back more than three decades. His artwork greets patients and families right as they step through the front doors of St. Jude, and his designs are featured on a variety of items with proceeds benefiting St. Jude. Because of supporters like Britto, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
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Born in Brazil, Britto discovered his passion for art as a young child. Now living in Miami, his art is recognized globally. Described as "the most licensed artist in history," Britto is the founder of the Happy Art Movement, a "visual language of love, hope and happiness" that raises support for St. Jude and puts smiles on the faces of patients.
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"It brings me great joy knowing my work is helping St. Jude Children's Research Hospital find cures to end childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases," said Britto. "Anything I can do to help kids realize their dreams – I am all in."
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Supporters can bid online on Inspiration4-themed auction packages launching from now to December, including an invitation to Britto's virtual art party, a fighter jet experience, items sent to space with the Inspiration4 crew, and more.
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About Inspiration4
Inspiration4 is the world's first all-civilian mission to space scheduled on Sept. 15. Commander Jared Isaacman selected St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as its beneficiary and committed $100 million to St. Jude to inspire others to raise an additional $100 million to accelerate research on devastating childhood diseases and save children all over the world. Isaacman donated two seats to St. Jude, one of which will be occupied by 29-year-old Hayley Arceneaux, pediatric cancer survivor and physician assistant at St. Jude. Arceneaux will represent the pillar of Hope. The four crew members, including Isaacman and Arceneaux, will board the Falcon 9 launch vehicle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and orbit the Earth for multiple days on the Dragon spacecraft, before they return to Earth with a smooth water landing.
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About St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.
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Click here to see the live story.
Sample Work: Press Release from internship with ALSAC/St. Jude
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Satellite media tour planned on July 15 with youngest American going to space at age 29
St. Jude Hospital cancer survivor Hayley Arceneaux will be the Inspiration4 Hope Seat crew member
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (June 28, 2021) – Scheduling is underway to speak with Inspiration4 crew member Hayley Arceneaux on Thursday, July 15. She is the first pediatric cancer survivor and the youngest American going to space in September to raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.
Inspiration4 is the world’s first all-civilian mission to space led by commander Jared Isaacman. The 38-year-old founder and chief executive officer of Shift4 Payments [NYSE: FOUR] donated two of the four seats to St. Jude, with the goal of raising $200 million by 2022 for research and treatment of childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Isaacman has committed $100 million to accelerate developments and save more children worldwide.
Isaacman will occupy the mission seat that stands for Leadership. He donated two seats to St. Jude: The mission seat called Hope to Arceneaux and the Generosity seat to Christopher Sembroski, a 41-year-old aerospace industry employee at Lockheed Martin and United States Air Force veteran. The Prosperity seat will be occupied by Dr. Sian Proctor, a 51-year-old entrepreneur, educator, trained pilot and active voice in the space exploration community.
Arceneaux will serve as the crew’s medical officer. The 29-year-old is a physician assistant at St. Jude, where she was treated for osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, at age 10.
“I remember pretending to be angry as we arrived [at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital], but in reality, I was just so scared. At the time, cancer to me seemed like a death sentence because everyone I had known who had it passed away. As soon I entered the doors of St. Jude, however, everything changed. I felt hope, a sense of optimism that I could get through this,” Arceneaux recalled in a St. Jude Inspire blog post.
In 1962, the same year an American orbited the Earth for the first time, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital committed to a different kind of uncharted territory: Finding cures. Saving children.® Nearly 60 years later, treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent. St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.
This mission is a cause for humanity to help children here on Earth and will be the first time civilians go to orbit as part of a mission, unaffiliated with any government space agency. The Dragon spacecraft plans to travel into space and orbit the planet for a few days before its water landing.
Interview Details and Quick Facts
Timing: To interview Arceneaux, please share your availability. This footage may be useful to replay during the Sept. 15 launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
Suggested questions
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Not only are you the youngest American going to space, but also you are the first pediatric cancer survivor and first person with a prosthesis to go to space. Tell us what this means to you.
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Her general response: She is excited to show her own St. Jude patients and kids around the world that they can accomplish their dreams.
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You were diagnosed with bone cancer (osteosarcoma) at age 10. Tell us about your experience and how it inspired you to become the physician assistant you are today.
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Her general response: She will share her St. Jude story and how that inspired her career choice.
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Tell us about when you first received the invitation to go to space. How did you respond? What did your family think when they heard the news?
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Her general response: She was excited and immediately asked family members who are aerospace engineers for their thoughts. They strongly encouraged her to go for it.
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Tell us about the space training experience and your favorite parts so far.
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Her general response: She will be considered a commercial astronaut by launch date due to the training by SpaceX on the Falcon 9 launch vehicle and Dragon spacecraft. She may talk about Centrifuge training, water survival training (for the landing) and the crew’s hike up Mount Rainier as a team-building exercise.
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I understand travel is one of your passions but living in the world of zero gravity isn’t something you had on your bucket list until now, right?
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Her general response: Her goal was to travel to all seven continents before turning 30. She has visited over 20 countries to-date. The crew has bonded during training and plans to visit Antarctica after the mission.
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We know this mission is also a fundraising campaign for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. How can people get involved?
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Her general response: There are a number of ways to get involved to help raise awareness and support for St. Jude while celebrating this unique mission.
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Be sure to visit stjude.org/inspiration4 to:
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Make a donation or form a fundraising Inspirational4 crew;
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Learn about once-in-a-lifetime auction packages;
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Sign up for a children’s science fair called the St. Jude EPIC Challenge; and
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Purchase I4 merchandise online.
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Click here to see the live story.
Sample Work: Press Release from internship with ALSAC/St. Jude
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New 'United States of St. Jude' series spotlights riveting stories to inspire a country
Collection of 52 stories of hope, healing and generosity tied to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital from every state, our nation's capital and Puerto Rico now available
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (July 6, 2021) -- A new collection of 52 stories of people from every state in the union, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico who are tied to the mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® is available starting today on St. Jude Inspire. The series, called The United States of St. Jude, spotlights the deep and abiding dedication of supporters from across the country who are united in helping cure childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases both at home and abroad.
The inspiring stories of hope, healing and generosity from St. Jude volunteers, supporters and families from all walks of life are presented in a mix of formats, including written, video and audio content that is accessible via an interactive map.
"As we celebrate Independence Day and progress in emerging from the pandemic, the stories of the United States of St. Jude represent the best in us as a nation," said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. "These inspiring stories of generous souls with purpose unify a vast country behind a singular belief that no child should die in the dawn of life."
The narratives are designed to be shared across the country, friend to friend, grandmother to grandchild, colleague to colleague. From a pediatric St. Jude cancer survivor living among the wild beauty of Kodiak, Alaska, to bereaved parents in Macon, Georgia, who found a way to channel their grief, to the pierogi-making Rhode Island couple inspiring their Twitch audience to support St. Jude through their cooking show, each story at its center has St. Jude as the unifying element.
The United States of St. Jude is reminiscent of the early days of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, when founder Danny Thomas crisscrossed the country with his wife, Rose Marie, visiting bowling alleys, civic organizations and even people's homes to rally support for the hospital in communities everywhere. They once visited 28 states in 32 days, inspiring multi-generational support for the simple yet profound mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving children.®
Thomas is the original storyteller of St. Jude. Throughout his life and successful Hollywood career, he made St. Jude not only his passion but also his singular purpose, ensuring that no child would be turned away from treatment based on the color of their skin, the language they speak, or their ability to pay, saying at the dedication of St. Jude in February 1962, "If I were to die this minute, I would know why I was born."
The millions of supporters who have united to continue Thomas' mission only grows, as do the number of lives they impact. The United States of St. Jude illustrates these lives, and the stories reflect the diversity that brings people from all over the country together in the most remarkable ways to make a difference in the lives of children everywhere.
Visit stjude.org/inspire to discover the St. Jude stories by state and share content using the hashtag #UnitedStatesofStJude.
About St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and subscribing to its and subscribing to its YouTube channel.
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Click here to see the live story.
Sample Work: Press Release from internship with ALSAC/St. Jude
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
St. Jude JAM announces online auction, exclusive concert planned during WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational week
Bidding on autographed guitars, exclusive trips, experiences to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (July 22, 2021) – Now through Aug. 3, bidding is open for an online auction affiliated with the St. Jude JAM presented by Delta Dental of Tennessee and HH Global. The annual event benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® kicks off a week of fundraising and awareness for St. Jude as fans and supporters gather in Memphis for the World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational. It will feature performances by Gin Blossoms, Al Paris, formerly with Kool & The Gang, Sara Evans and house band Sixwire at 5:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Aug. 3, at Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden.
Exclusive online items include a Les Paul 699 guitar autographed by Alice Cooper, a style consultation with Hollywood celebrity stylist Elizabeth Stewart, a wine trip to DAOU Vineyards in Paso Robles, California, and more. Winning bidders will not only receive one of a kind products and experiences, but also will make a difference through their support of the St. Jude mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®
“The St. Jude JAM is the perfect tee off to celebrate the World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational, an event that puts St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on a global stage,” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Our generous donors and partners are the reason St. Jude is able to continue its lifesaving work. We are excited to come together, support the families at St. Jude and celebrate with a purpose.”
Up for bid this year in the live auction is a custom replica 1965 Shelby Cobra, one of the most coveted items because it is built by a team of FedEx pilots. Factory Five Racing and the pilots donated their time to complete this project. These annual custom builds have collectively raised more than $575,000 over the past six years. Learn the full history on St. Jude Inspire.
Since its inception in 2013, the St. Jude JAM has helped bring awareness to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by helping families everywhere. Thanks to generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
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For additional information or to place a bid in the online auction, visit stjude.org/stjudejam.
About St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.
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Click here to see the live story.
Sample Work: Press Release from internship with ALSAC/St. Jude
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month blasts off in an unforgettable way for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
St. Jude physician assistant, cancer survivor Hayley Arceneaux launches into space, Netflix releases documentary on Inspiration4, auctions planned, communities everywhere team up for virtual St. Jude Walk/Run, 60+ celebrities lend support on social media
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Sept. 1, 2021) -- During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, witness how the sky is no limit for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®. St. Jude physician assistant and pediatric cancer survivor Hayley Arceneaux will launch into space on the world's first all-civilian mission to orbit called Inspiration4 on Wednesday, Sept. 15. Communities, celebrities and influencers everywhere will also team up for virtual St. Jude Walk/Run on Sept. 25.
More than 60 celebrities including Ellen DeGeneres, Luis Fonsi, Rita Ora, Ashley Tisdale, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ellie Kemper, Anthony Hamilton, Lucy Hale, Lily Aldridge, JoJo Siwa, Willie Geist, Ashley McBryde, Scotty McCreery, Ashley Green, The Brothers Osborne, Shaun White and Doug the Pug will unite throughout September to help cure childhood cancer. They will show their love for St. Jude on social media and rally fans to support the cause using the hashtags #30DaysForStJude and #ShowYourGold to raise awareness and support for the lifesaving mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving children.®
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Support of this nature is rooted in the DNA of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Its founder, Danny Thomas – the late acclaimed entertainer and humanitarian – sought support from his Hollywood connections more than 60 years ago to make his dream of building St. Jude to cure childhood cancer a reality.
Why this matters
Defeating childhood cancer is not a solo endeavor. In 2012, President Barack Obama proclaimed September as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to bring awareness to pediatric cancer, which remains the leading cause of death by disease for children under the age of 14.
St. Jude recently announced its record $11.5 billion, six-year strategic plan to accelerate research on pediatric cancer and devastating childhood diseases and save children all over the world. Campaigns and events like Inspiration4 and the St. Jude Walk/Run are designed to celebrate St. Jude achievements while inspiring supporters to keep the momentum as fundraisers because St. Jude won't stop until no child dies of cancer.
Fighting cancer with a samurai spirit
Some of Arceneaux's biggest fans include St. Jude patient families and colleagues in Memphis who hail from more than 100 countries, including her attending St. Jude physician Dr. Hiroto Inaba from Japan. He "fights leukemia with the samurai spirit," coining that phrase because he is a 17th generation samurai.
Dr. Inaba moved to Memphis with the intention of only working for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for a couple years before returning home to the Kii Mountains. He fell in love with his St. Jude family and applies many of the virtues historically admired by the samurai to his clinical practice, including courage, honesty, benevolence and what he calls "the good fight." He fights cancer for his patients alongside his fellow researchers and clinicians by using new tools and sharing insights aimed to increase survival rates. He respects Arceneaux because they share a similar passion for St. Jude and making a difference for others.
"Hayley's heart is as big as the galaxy, so it is no surprise that she continues to inspire the world both inside the walls of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and beyond with the work she does for children," said Dr. Inaba. "She is a brilliant physician assistant whose thankfulness for life radiates from her spirit and motivates all of us to dream big and press forward in our quest to cure childhood cancer for kids around the globe."
Visit St. Jude Progress to learn more about Dr. Inaba's journey to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and current work as principal investigator for the Total Therapy 17 clinical trial. While the two "17s" previously mentioned are a coincidence, his heritage and work have much in common.
Moving the needle on childhood cancer
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. As part of its strategic plan, St. Jude has tripled its global investment to impact more than 400,000 kids with cancer around the world each year; kids who rely on the emerging collaboration and investments of St. Jude, the World Health Organization, and a coalition of international partners as their lifeline.
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Take, for example, St. Jude Oncology Chair Dr. Ching-Hon Pui who is helping to expand and accelerate progress on cancer research and treatment through a number of international collaborations in China. Most recently, the results of a clinical trial proved it is safe to remove some of the therapies for children with low-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia to substantially reduce some of the long-term side effects of treatment.
How to get involved
St. Jude Walk/Run
The St. Jude Walk/Run will be virtual only on Sept. 25. Visit stjude.org/inspiration4 and stjude.org/walkrun to get involved. Participants are encouraged to download the St. Jude Walk/Run mobile app in the Apple app store and on Google Play.
St. Jude Inspire Podcast
St. Jude supporters and space enthusiasts can take a deep dive into the lives of the crew on Inspiration4, the world's first all-civilian mission to orbit, by listening to the St. Jude: Mission of a Lifetime podcast. This podcast series will introduce the world to each crew member, document their journeys in space and feature exclusive content. Listeners can download the podcast via Apple, Google, Spotify and Amazon Music.
Auction
Visit Charitybuzz for ongoing auctions, offering Inspiration4-themed auction packages, including a fighter jet experience, a personalized video message from space and an invitation to Romero Britto's virtual art party. Britto's support for St. Jude will include finishing a live painting for auction during the Inspiration4 official launch event at a private hangar on Sept. 14; creating an Inspiration4 coloring book that crew members will complete in space to be auctioned after the mission; and offering a virtual paint party to select auction winners later this fall with proceeds benefiting St. Jude.
Fundraising challenge for animal lovers
The PAWS for St. Jude fundraising campaign also extends through September. Owners of all dogs, from huskies to shelties, beagles to poodles and every breed in between are encouraged to grab their leashes and take their pooches out for a daily activity and capture the cute puppy poses, water play, ball catches and head tilts for social media to rally friends and family members to donate. Photos and video using the hashtag #PAWSforStJude will be featured on St. Jude social media channels. At the conclusion of the competition, the top fundraising dogs will receive St. Jude bandanas.
Fundraising challenge for students
High school and college students are welcome to join the St. Jude Advance Network, which inspires, guides and unites participants via an online community that provides access to networking opportunities and national fundraising challenges with incentives through May 2022. This campaign is designed to offer supporters a way to make a lasting impact on children everywhere.
Social media campaign
Visit stjude.org/together to learn more about how St. Jude is treating and defeating childhood cancer. Then, post a photo on social media using the hashtag #ShowYourGold on September 9 to raise awareness during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The color gold is associated with childhood cancer.
Netflix documentary on Inspiration4
Look for a Netflix documentary series called Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space. Watch the trailer about this first-ever Netflix series to cover an event in near real-time. The series will run in four parts.
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Sept. 6: Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space, episodes 1-2 premiere
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Sept.13: Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space, episodes 3-4 premiere
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Sept.15: Targeted launch of the Inspiration4 mission
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End of September: Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space feature-length finale
This ambitious, quick-turnaround series will take viewers behind the scenes with the Inspiration4 crew – from their unconventional selection and intensive months-long commercial astronaut training, through the intimate and emotional moments leading up to liftoff. The final episode, which premieres just days after the mission is completed, will feature unprecedented access inside the spacecraft capturing the launch and the crew's journey to space, as well as their return home to Earth. Creators of the series include TIME Studios, Known, and producer Connor Schell, along with director Jason Hehir and the team behind The Last Dance.
Partners with purpose
Because of community support, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
Special thanks to the dozens of corporate partners that are sponsoring this year's Childhood Cancer Awareness month initiatives for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, including: Chili's, AmazonSmile, ARS/Rescue Rooter, Charitable Adult Rides & Services (CARS), Shaw Floors, Microsoft, Kmart, Sears, CBS Sports, Five Below, Varsity Brands, DXL Big + Tall, eBay, Shoe Carnival, Denny's, Monster Jam, Coldwell Banker, Publishers Clearing House, My Salon Suites, Coton Colors, Bahama Buck's, Maglite, HomeTown Lenders, Chair King Backyard Store, Tornado Bus Company, Gunnar Optiks, SendAFriend and Hari Mari. Current St. Jude supporters, Amazon, Window World and Marcum Foundation have been named the national sponsors for the 2021 St. Jude Walk/Run. The St. Jude #ShowYourGold campaign is brought to you by Five Below.
About Inspiration4
Inspiration4 is the world's first all-civilian mission to orbit scheduled on Sept. 15. Commander Jared Isaacman selected St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as its beneficiary and committed $100 million to St. Jude to inspire others to raise an additional $100 million to accelerate research on devastating childhood diseases and save children all over the world. Isaacman donated two seats to St. Jude, one of which will be occupied by 29-year-old Hayley Arceneaux, pediatric cancer survivor and physician assistant at St. Jude. Arceneaux will represent the pillar of Hope. The four crew members, including Isaacman and Arceneaux, will board the Falcon 9 launch vehicle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and orbit the Earth for multiple days on the Dragon spacecraft, before they return to Earth with a smooth water landing.
About St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.
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