Celeb & Ent

LISTEN: Marlo Thomas on the St. Jude Story and Advancing Her Father’s Mission to Save Children’s Lives

In a heartfelt Thanksgiving Day episode of the “Daily Variety” podcast, Marlo Thomas, renowned actor, author, and activist, shares the inspiring journey of her father, Danny Thomas, and the founding of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. This special edition not only highlights the personal anecdotes and struggles faced by the Thomas family but also underscores the profound impact that St. Jude has had on pediatric healthcare and cancer research. Marlo reflects on her father’s unwavering commitment to helping children in need, which stemmed from his own experiences of hardship and a promise made in prayer. Danny Thomas, a successful entertainer, faced numerous challenges in his early career and vowed to build a shrine to St. Jude, the patron saint of hopeless causes, if he found success. This promise led to the establishment of St. Jude in 1962, a groundbreaking institution dedicated to treating and curing pediatric catastrophic diseases, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

The podcast delves into the rich history of St. Jude, detailing how it has evolved over the decades into a leading research hospital that has contributed significantly to the fight against childhood cancer. Marlo shares poignant stories of patients and families who have benefitted from the hospital’s innovative treatments and compassionate care. The facility not only provides medical assistance but also offers emotional and financial support to families during their most challenging times. With a mission driven by Danny Thomas’s original vision, St. Jude has made remarkable strides in increasing survival rates for various childhood cancers, with advancements in research that have set new standards in pediatric care. The episode also features a Vintage Variety segment that revisits key moments in the hospital’s history, illustrating the collective effort of many who have contributed to its success, including staff, researchers, and supporters from around the world.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the spirit of giving during the Thanksgiving season, as Marlo emphasizes the importance of community support in sustaining the hospital’s mission. The episode serves as a reminder of the power of hope and the difference one person’s dream can make in the lives of countless children and families facing dire circumstances. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital continues to be a beacon of hope, embodying the legacy of Danny Thomas and the commitment to ensuring that no child is denied treatment due to financial constraints. As the podcast wraps up, Marlo invites everyone to consider how they can contribute to this noble cause, reinforcing the message that together, we can create a world where every child has the chance to thrive.