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2008 Annual Report
ALSAC ®/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ®
ALSAC
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
1.800.877.5833
www.stjude.org
2008 Annual Report — ALSAC ®/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ®
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN 38105
901.595.3300
Finding cures. Saving children.TOGETHER
Finding cures. Saving children.
TOGETHER
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Mission
Our mission is to advance cures, and means of
02. TOGETHER we give hope.
prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases
05. A Message from the Thomas Family
through research and treatment. Consistent with
06. Board Letters
the vision of our founder, Danny Thomas, no child
is denied treatment based on race, religion or a
family’s ability to pay.
Contents
08. TOGETHER we find cures.
10. St. Jude approach unites researchers
and doctors
12. Research Highlights
16. TOGETHER we save lives.
ALSAC Mission
We raise the funds and build awareness to sustain
18. St. Jude reaches out to the world
20. TOGETHER we celebrate life.
22. Hospital Events
the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
24. TOGETHER we grow.
to advance cures, and means of prevention, for
26. Chili’s Care Center enhances
patient care
27. New Kay Kafe is well done
pediatric catastrophic diseases through research
and treatment while honoring the memory and
28. TOGETHER we care.
heritage of our founder, Danny Thomas.
30. Public Support of St. Jude
32. TOGETHER we are committed.
34. Boards
37. Financial Highlights
38. General Information
40. St. Jude Executive Committee
41. ALSAC Senior Staff
42. ALSAC Regional Offices
1
TOGETHER
2
we give hope.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® began with a prayer and a promise.
Almost 70 years ago, a struggling young entertainer named Danny Thomas
knelt in a church and prayed to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of
hopeless causes: “Help me find my way in life, and I will build you a shrine.”
Danny Thomas went on to become one of the best-loved entertainers of his
time, and he did not forget his promise. In 1962, he opened the doors to
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Today, St. Jude is one of the world’s premier centers for the research and
treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases.
Working together under one roof, our physicians and scientists have pioneered
treatments that have helped push the overall survival rates for childhood
cancers from less than 20 percent in 1962 to more than 70 percent today.
ALSAC, as the nation’s second largest health care charity, is on the front lines,
raising financial support and awareness of St. Jude’s ground-breaking work.
3
4
A Message from the Thomas Family
Dear Friends,
And we, along with the rest of the world, mourned the loss
The last year has brought many changes to the world around
of a truly talented man and passionate supporter of St. Jude
us, and to the world we share together at St. Jude Children’s
when Bernard “Bernie Mac” McDonald passed away in the
Research Hospital. At ALSAC and St. Jude, we’re no
summer of 2008. Bernie Mac touched many with his gift of
strangers to seeing change as an opportunity and accepting
laughter, including thousands of people who saw him in ads
the challenges that push us to a higher ground. With the
each year during our Thanks and Giving® campaign. We will
strong support of our loyal donors and partners as well as
always treasure his love and support of our patients and our
the dedicated employees of ALSAC and St. Jude, we share
mission.
continued success in our sacred mission to save the lives of
children battling deadly diseases. Together, we are making
By the time you read this letter, we will have wrapped up our
sure tomorrow comes for the sick children of the world, ever
fifth year of Thanks and Giving®, which encourages shoppers
vigilant in our quest to achieve the dream of our father, Danny
to “Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to
Thomas, that “no child should die in the dawn of life.”
those who are not.” Every year, new corporate partners join
our mission, and the campaign continues to expand across
Over the last year, St. Jude scientists have continued their
the nation through new regional partners and events.
pioneering research, finding new discoveries that will light the
path to new treatments, turning grains of sands into pearls of
We look back over this year with joy for the many blessings
hope for our precious patients and their families.
received at St. Jude in spite of the tough economic challenges
facing our donors and volunteers. With the help of millions of
Our commitment to providing the best patient care and
friends and supporters nationwide, we will continue to see
treatment in the world was bolstered by the opening this year
dreams realized and hope fulfilled. We know what a gift that is,
of two new additions to St. Jude: the Chili’s Care Center, a
and we are honored by the love and dedication so many show
340,000-square-foot research and patient care facility, and
to our patients and their families every day. It strengthens us,
Kay Kafe, the hospital’s new dining facilities. We are so grateful
inspires us and challenges us to wage the battles necessary
to long-time partners Chili’s Grill & Bar® and Sterling Jewelers
to provide a brighter future for all children.
for rising to the challenge when we asked for their support.
With much love,
This year, we also said goodbye to two old friends. In the
summer of 2008, John P. Moses resigned from his position as
Marlo, Terre and Tony Thomas
CEO of ALSAC for health reasons. ALSAC’s Chief Operating
Officer David L. McKee stepped up to serve as interim CEO
during the search for a new leader of the nation’s second
largest health care charity. We will miss John’s leadership,
and we are grateful to have David’s steady hand to guide us
through this transition.
5
A Message from the Chair of the
St. Jude Board of Govenors
As the outgoing Chair of the Board of Governors of St. Jude
for their generosity in making Chili’s Care Center and
Children’s Research Hospital, it is with pleasure that I report
Kay Kafe possible.
on the strength and vitality of our institution. In Fiscal Year
2008, the unsurpassed work of the St. Jude faculty and staff
St. Jude’s impact on global medicine was also increased
continued to change the way the world treats children with
by the launching of Oncopedia. The interactive, online
cancer and other catastrophic diseases.
encyclopedia for pediatric hematology and oncology
cases joined Cure4Kids on the Web as part of St. Jude’s
St. Jude’s global leadership in finding cures and saving
International Outreach Program, which is designed to provide
children was recognized this past year when the National
information to healthcare professionals who care for children
Cancer Institute designated St. Jude a Comprehensive
with cancer worldwide. Cure4Kids, which offers online
Cancer Center. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer
lectures, conference tools, consultations and mentoring,
facility to receive this designation, a testament to the lifesaving
had more than 16,000 users in 164 countries and more
work of the men and women at St. Jude.
than 4,500 users throughout the United States, as of
December, 2008.
St. Jude’s faculty and staff published more than 600 papers in
Joseph G. Cory, PhD
Chair/President
St. Jude Board of Governors
some of the most renowned scientific and clinical journals last
Also last year, Richard Webby, PhD, a St. Jude associate
year. Research highlights included identification of the specific
member in Infectious Diseases, was chosen as director of
cell that causes eye cancer, a finding that shattered a century-
the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for
old scientific belief that mature nerve cells cannot multiply.
Studies on the Ecology of Influenza Viruses in Lower Animals
Research at St. Jude also led to important discoveries in the
and Birds. He took over from Robert Webster, PhD, who holds
genetic basis of leukemia, as well as treatment that helps
St. Jude’s Rose Marie Thomas Chair in Infectious Diseases
save kidney function in patients with bilateral Wilms tumor. The
and had been director of the lab since 1975. The St. Jude
published work of St. Jude is cited more often than that of any
center is the only one of five WHO collaborating centers that
other private pediatric cancer research center in America.
focuses on the transmission of animal viruses to humans.
St. Jude opened two new facilities last year that considerably
We are proud that St. Jude again ranked in the Top Ten in
enhance not only research into life-threatening illnesses,
the 2007 Best places to Work in Academia by The Scientist
but also the care and treatment of children suffering from
magazine. The hospital has been in the Top Ten every year
those illnesses. The Chili’s Care Center, which opened
since 2005.
in November 2007, is home to the latest in imaging and
treatment technology, including the only cyclotron whose
The children who come to St. Jude are in the hands of an
use is dedicated to understanding and developing treatment
amazingly dedicated group of scientists, doctors, health care
for childhood catastrophic diseases. The new building also
professionals and hospital staff. We extend our thanks for
allows St. Jude to keep research on the fast track to patients,
the difference these men and women make every day in the
following St. Jude’s historic approach of placing patient rooms
lives of children the world over. But that work could not go on
and procedure areas in the same building as research labs.
without the support of ALSAC, the fundraising organization of
Kay Kafe, the hospital’s new cafeteria and kitchen, opened
St. Jude, and the passionate and committed volunteers and
in June 2008 and is improving the study of clinical nutrition
donors who keep the hospital’s doors open. Thanks to all of
for patients, as well as providing expanded dining options
you St. Jude remains a beacon to those facing their darkest
for patients, their families and St. Jude staff. Our grateful
hours, a light that shines with the promise of hope.
appreciation goes to Chili’s Grill & Bar® and Sterling Jewelers
6
I am pleased to report that we have had another impressive
We have been blessed by a remarkable group of founding
year raising the funds needed to sustain St. Jude Children’s
members who joined Danny’s army with pure hearts and
Research Hospital.
intentions. But even they, for all their vision and dedication,
could not have imagined what we continue to achieve as we
Thanks to loyal donors, partners and volunteers, ALSAC
enlist the support of our corporate partners and individual
raised $660 million for the children of St. Jude in fiscal
volunteers and donors across this great land. I also want to
year 2008. We accomplished this goal during challenging
extend a special thank you to Danny’s children, Marlo, Terre
economic times, and with an average individual donation of
and Tony, who have so energetically carried on their father’s
$30.46. That speaks volumes about how deeply the
dream, and to the impressive and committed staff of St. Jude
St. Jude message and mission resonate with our wonderful
and ALSAC.
A Message from the Chair of the
ALSAC Board of Directors
supporters and volunteers across the nation. They have
helped school children and college students seeking pledges
All of us working together have honored Danny’s promise to
for Math-A-Thons and Up ’til Dawn events. They have bought
provide unsurpassed medical care while ensuring that no child
tickets for St. Jude Dream Home giveaways. They have
is ever turned away from St. Jude because of the family’s
made monthly donations as Partners In Hope and have
inability to pay. Those core promises remain at the heart of
pledged to support St. Jude each time a golfer on the PGA
our mission. I look forward to working alongside the Thomas
TOUR makes an Eagle. They remember St. Jude as they
family, along with our Board and our loyal friends and partners
®
shop during the holidays as part of our Thanks and Giving
as we continue to strive for the day Danny dreamed about—
campaign, and they remember special loved ones with
when no child will die in the dawn of life.
®
memorial gifts that help sustain our lifesaving mission.
More than a million volunteers make it possible for ALSAC to
sponsor 34,000 fundraising events each year, and that is the
kind of commitment we have come to expect and appreciate
from our St. Jude family.
Joyce Aboussie
Chair/President
ALSAC Board of Directors
I was honored in 2006 to become the first female chair of the
ALSAC Board of Directors. It has been a pleasure to hold this
post during such an exciting period of expansion and renewal.
During this past fiscal year, we witnessed the opening of the
Chili’s Care Center and the Kay Kafe which, thanks to our
friends at Chili’s and Sterling Jewelers, are helping St. Jude
take its world-class patient care and cutting-edge research to
new levels. I was thrilled as well to be on hand in June as the
hospital unveiled its new address, 262 Danny Thomas Place,
in honor of our founder, Danny Thomas, who opened the
hospital in February 1962.
Given my history with this organization, I have long understood
the importance of supporting Danny’s dream to save the lives
of children around the world fighting catastrophic diseases.
7
TOGETHER
8
we find cures.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is the first institution established for
the sole purpose of conducting basic and clinical research and treatment
into catastrophic childhood diseases. At St. Jude, some of the world’s most
gifted scientists and doctors work together to unlock the secrets of childhood
cancers, acquired and inherited immunodeficiencies, infectious diseases and
genetic disorders.
In 2007, the medical and scientific staff at St. Jude published more than 600
articles in prestigious academic and scientific journals, more than any other
pediatric cancer research center in the United States. This means, on average,
a St. Jude paper is being published every 17 hours.
This year, in recognition of the excellence of its staff and the comprehensive
nature of its cancer programs, St. Jude became the first and only pediatric
cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the
National Cancer Institute. In addition, Parents magazine named St. Jude the
No.1 pediatric cancer care hospital in the country.
9
St. Jude approach unites researchers and doctors
As the most common solid malignancies of childhood, brain tumors are a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children.
Brain tumors arise within delicate and critical tissues, and the treatment of these diseases can significantly impair the function of
survivors. To speed treatments that save children, while preserving quality of life, St. Jude scientists and clinicians have teamed
up to explore brain tumors from the test tube to the examining room. This cross-functional approach to research and care sets
St. Jude apart from many other pediatric hospitals and kept St. Jude in the forefront of therapy in 2007-2008.
Co-led by Richard Gilbertson, MD, PhD, of the Department of Developmental Neurobiology, and Amar Gajjar, MD, of the
Department of Oncology, the Neurobiology and Brain Tumor Program is a comprehensive program that unites some of the
world’s leading neuroscientists, cancer biologists and physicians. The program includes researchers from 10 academic
departments across St. Jude and is one of the largest pediatric brain tumor programs in the country.
The program is organized into three interest groups that share the common goals of advancing understanding and improving the
outcome of children with brain tumors: the fundamental neuroscience group studies the development and functioning of normal
and neoplastic neural tissues as well as cell death; the translational research group provides a forum for direct collaboration
between the fundamental neuroscience and brain tumor therapy groups with a focus on advancing understanding of brain tumor
biology into the clinic; and the brain tumor therapy group conducts innovative early and late phase clinical trials, as well as
studying brain tumor treatment late effects.
By linking studies of neurodevelopment and clinical investigations of brain tumors, these investigators are efficiently translating
laboratory findings into opportunities for new treatments. The program’s recent efforts include the integration of genome-wide
gene expression and genetic microarray profiling to better classify and treat brain tumors. Investigators are also using advanced
technologies in the laboratory to understand the cellular and molecular origins of brain tumors.
10
Richard Gilbertson, MD, PhD
Amar Gajjar, MD
11
Research Highlights
The current basic and clinical research at St. Jude includes work in gene therapy, bone marrow transplantation, chemotherapy,
the biochemistry of normal and cancerous cells, radiation treatment, blood diseases, resistance to therapy, viruses, hereditary
diseases, influenza, pediatric AIDS and psychological effects of catastrophic illnesses. St. Jude also conducts long-term
biostatistical investigations on the long-term outcomes of its patients. Here are highlights for fiscal year 2008:
A sound discovery
Tiny tweezers twist DNA
Solving mysteries of ALL
Proceedings of the National Academy
Nature, July 2007
Genes & Development, September 2007
of Science, July 2007
Co-author: Mary-Ann Bjornsti, PhD, Molecular
Senior Author: Charles Sherr, MD, PhD, a
Senior author: Jian Zuo, PhD, Developmental
Pharmacology
Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator,
Neurobiology
A team of investigators at St. Jude and Delft
and co-chair, Genetics and Tumor Cell Biology
Some children undergoing chemotherapy suffer
University of Technology (The Netherlands)
First Author: Richard Williams, MD, PhD,
hearing loss. This is a problem that researchers
created a tiny model of how the anti-cancer
Molecular Therapeutics, Oncology
at St. Jude are trying to solve by studying
drug topotecan works using microscopic
Results of a study by St. Jude investigators
some of the fine points of how the ear works.
“tweezers” that enabled them to manipulate a
shed new light on why a small percentage of
Recently, these investigators settled a 30-
single molecule of DNA. Normally, when a cell
children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
year scientific debate that could explain why
begins to divide it makes a copy of its DNA,
(ALL) do not benefit from treatment, while more
humans and other mammals have such sensitive
so each newly formed daughter cell gets an
than 90 percent of children treated with the
hearing and the ability to discriminate among
identical set. During this process, the DNA gets
latest therapies survive. The findings could help
frequencies. The discovery centered on rod-
twisted into supercoils much like the bulges in
researchers better understand both the origins
shaped cells called outer hair cells, which are
an over-wound telephone cord. The cell uses the
of this aggressive form of leukemia (termed
topped with tufts of hair-like projections called
enzyme DNA topoisomerase I to undo the coils
Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL) as well
cilia. Both mammals and non-mammals have
so the DNA can be duplicated and cell division
as why it becomes resistant to the targeted
these cilia-topped cells, and the cilia of both
can continue. Topotecan blocks the enzyme,
anti-leukemia drug imatinib (Gleevec™).
mammalian and non-mammalian outer hair cells
trapping the DNA in supercoils. This forces
This knowledge may lead to more effective
vibrate in response to sound waves. But only
the cell to commit suicide. The investigators
treatments for patients who are not helped by
mammalian outer hair cells contain a protein
used the microscopic tweezers—an example
current therapies, according to Sherr.
called prestin, which acts like a motor to make
of nanotechnology—to twist a single molecule
the cells contract and vibrate. The researchers
of DNA into supercoils. The researchers then
showed that the prestin-driven movement of
monitored changes in the length of an individual
the mammalian outer hair cells rather than the
DNA molecule caused by the action of a single
movement of the cilia on top of those cells is the
topoisomerase I enzyme. Finally, they studied
key to the hearing advantage of mammals. Key
how the binding of a single topotecan molecule
discoveries like this could help researchers learn
to this enzyme-DNA complex disrupts DNA
how to prevent hearing loss in children while
uncoiling. “This model for how topotecan works
allowing them to benefit from chemotherapy.
is providing insights that could help scientists
develop new drugs to treat cancer,” said
Bjornsti.
12
St. Jude identifies specific cell that causes
Discovery sheds light on immune response
eye cancer
Nature, December 2007
Cell, October, 2007:
Senior author: Douglas Green, PhD, Immunology chair
Senior author: Michael Dyer, PhD,
St. Jude investigators have discovered that a
Developmental Neurobiology
common housekeeping mechanism most cells
St. Jude investigators identified the cell that
use to keep their interiors healthy also helps
gives rise to the eye cancer retinoblastoma,
immune system cells engulf and destroy germs.
disproving a long-standing principle of nerve
This finding may help researchers understand
growth and development. The finding also
how the body defends itself against infections
suggests for the first time that it may one day be
and how cancer cells can resist chemotherapy
possible for scientists to induce fully developed
drugs. Researchers at St. Jude discovered
neurons to multiply and coax the injured brain to
a link between the two mechanisms—
repair itself. The immediate importance of the
phagocytosis (engulfing germs) and autophagy
St. Jude finding is that it unexpectedly showed
(housekeeping). The discovery suggests that
that retinoblastoma can arise from fully
once they are triggered they share a common
matured nerves in the retina called horizontal
mechanism to enhance the elimination of germs
interneurons. This disproves the scientific
that cause diseases. “Autophagy is a cell-
principle that fully formed, mature nerves cannot
survival jack-of-all-trades, and we’re trying to
multiply like young, immature cells, said Dyer.
understand the signals that trigger its onset,”
said Green. “We want to know how invading
microorganisms avoid being destroyed by
Tracking bird flu
Journal of Virology, October 2007
Senior author: Clayton Naeve, PhD, St. Jude
autophagy and learn how cancer cells use
autophagy to resist chemotherapy drugs before
Investigators find way to identify kids at risk for RSV
Pediatrics, February 2008
Senior author: Aditya Gaur, MD, Infectious Diseases
St. Jude investigators and collaborators showed how
to predict if a child who is infected with respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV) while being treated for cancer
or another catastrophic disease is at high risk for
developing severe infection. The finding will help
clinicians improve guidelines for managing the
treatment of these children. RSV is a common cause
of pneumonia during winter, frequently causing fever,
runny nose and coughs. It can be much more severe
in patients who are undergoing cancer treatments
and whose immune systems are suppressed.
Clinicians have had difficulty predicting the severity
of the illness in individual patients. The scientists
found that if children infected with RSV are under 2
years old and have very low levels of immune system
cells in their blood called lymphocytes, they are at
a higher risk for the RSV infection to move into the
lung. The researchers also found that neutropenia
(low levels of immune system cells called neutrophils)
was not a risk factor for severe RSV infection.
they have a chance to work.”
Chief Information Officer
First author: David Finkelstein, PhD, Hartwell
Center for Bioinformatics and Biotechnology
St. Jude investigators found a way to monitor
the H5N1 bird flu virus to determine if it is
adapting to humans and therefore increasing
its ability to trigger a deadly pandemic. The
scientists identified specific amino acid building
blocks that are more likely to appear in avian
influenza virus proteins and those that are more
likely to be in human influenza virus proteins.
The differences in these amino acids can be
Anti-malarial drug may prevent cancer
Journal of Clinical Investigation, January 2008
Senior author: Michael Kastan, MD, PhD,
St. Jude Comprehensive Cancer Center director
Physicians might one day be able to prevent certain cancers by using an anti-malarial drug that largely
ignores healthy cells and targets cells that are becoming cancerous, according to results of studies at
St. Jude. In the lab, investigators found that the antimalarial drug chloroquine disrupts the development
of lymphomas when in the presence of an overactive cancer causing gene called Myc. The finding is
important because few medicines have a proven ability to prevent cancer, said Kastan.
used as markers to track changes in H5N1 avian
influenza strains that threaten humans.
13
Research Highlights (cont.)
Protein trio prevents cells from dying
Study offers new hope for children with kidney
Molecular science could increase survival rates
Nature, February 2008
tumors deemed inoperable
The Lancet, March 2008
Senior author: James Ihle, PhD, Biochemistry
Cancer, March 2008
Ching-Hon Pui, MD, Oncology chair
chair
Senior author: Andrew Davidoff, MD, division
By using new scientific techniques, the dramatic
St. Jude investigators discovered that the
chief, General Pediatric Surgery, and director,
increase that has occurred in the survival rate for
presence of three proteins protects certain
Surgical Research
children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
cells from undergoing apoptosis, also known
St. Jude physicians demonstrated that children
may someday be replicated in older patients,
as programmed cell death. Apoptosis rids the
with bilateral Wilms tumor, a cancer of the
said St. Jude experts in the March 2008 issue
body of damaged, mutated or infected cells.
kidneys, can retain normal function in both
of The Lancet. But to raise the survival rate of
For example, cells that suffer irreparable DNA
kidneys by undergoing a procedure called
adolescents and adults with ALL, researchers
mutations undergo apoptosis to prevent them
bilateral nephron-sparing surgery, even when
need a more thorough understanding of the
from forming a tumor.
preoperative scans suggest that the tumors are
biology of this form of leukemia, including the
inoperable. Between 1999 and 2006, all St. Jude
role genes play in therapies, said Pui. St. Jude
In a series of experiments, St. Jude researchers
patients with bilateral Wilms tumor exhibiting
research contributed to the high survival rate
found that if any of three molecules—Hax1,
favorable histology (cell characteristics)
for children with ALL. “We already have 94
HtrA2 or Parl—is missing, certain cells lose the
underwent bilateral nephron-sparing surgeries,
percent surviving at five years,” Pui said. But
ability to protect themselves from apoptosis.
or partial nephrectomies. Nephron-sparing
adolescents with ALL do not fare as well as
“This is probably the first description of what
surgery is designed to remove the malignant
children; and among adults with ALL, only 30
is happening mechanistically that contributes
tumor, sparing as much healthy kidney tissue as
to 40 percent are cured. Pui and his colleagues
to the ability of cells to delay apoptosis,” said
possible. In all 10 instances where the procedure
said two areas of molecular science hold
Ihle. “It provides incredible insights into how
was used, the surgery was successful, often
promise for improving the survival and quality of
three proteins work and how they can control
despite preoperative imaging studies suggesting
life of ALL patients: genome-wide analyses of
apoptosis.” Understanding the biochemical
that kidney preservation might not be possible.
leukemic cells and pharmacogenetic studies of
interactions that control the extent of apoptosis
“Many times, physicians will look at a child’s
host normal cells.
could help scientists learn to control this
scans and assume that it is impossible to
process and could lead to new treatments.
remove the tumor while preserving some
uninvolved kidney, but our study indicates that
surgeons should not rely solely on the imaging
to make that decision,” said Davidoff.
Scientists uncover secrets of rare form of ALL
Nature, April 2008
James Downing, MD, St. Jude Scientific Director and Pathology chair
St. Jude researchers found evidence that a series of genetic mutations work together to cause an aggressive and often fatal form of acute lymphoblastic
leukemia ALL. The defects include a chromosonal translocation that creates an oncogene called BCR-ABL1 and a deletion of a gene, IKZF1, whose protein,
Ikaros, normally helps guide the development of a blood stem cell into a lymphocyte. The researchers also found that loss of the same gene accompanied
the transformation of chronic myelogenous leukemias to a life-threatening acute stage. “These findings provide new avenues to pursue to gain a better
understanding of these disease processes and, ultimately, to develop better therapies,” said Downing.
14
The following statistics are for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.
The average number of active patients on
any given day during the past year was
5,500. Unlike a general care hospital where
the daily total equals total admissions, an
active patient at a research hospital is one
who is admitted to a research protocol
(scientific treatment plan).
Of the 6,213 total active patients, 23 percent
were enrolled in a leukemia/lymphoma
protocol, 26 percent were being followed
by the solid tumor service, 44 percent were
enrolled in hematological studies and 7
percent were enrolled in infectious disease
or immunology studies.
Each day, upwards of 260 patients visited
the hospital for clinic visits or for admission
to one of the hospital’s 78 inpatient rooms.
Some received induction therapy to
achieve remission of their diseases while
others underwent diagnostic or treatment
procedures. During the course of their
protocols, patients return to St. Jude for
therapy, checkups, medication adjustments
or crisis care.
Of the active patients, 1,084 have completed
therapy for their diseases and visit the
hospital for periodic follow-ups in the After
Completion of Therapy Clinic.
The number of St. Jude alumni reached
3,315 this past year. The hospital still keeps
in contact with these patients, but their
long-term follow-up-treatment is complete.
Patients become alumni when they are
18 years old or their disease has been in
remission for 10 years, whichever occurs
later.
2008 Fiscal Year at a Glance
• Pharmacy doses dispensed – 548,541
• Diagnostic X-rays – 7,414
• Blood transfusions – 9,752
• Radiation treatments – 5,341
• CT scans – 6,181
• Radioisotope scans – 1,452
• Dental procedures – 5,092
• Dental encounters – 1,053
• Surgical cases – 1,438
• MRI exams – 9,092
Scientific Advisory Board
The Scientific Advisory
Board is an autonomous
panel of renowned physicians
and scientists. They foster
the medical and scientific
development of St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital
by discussing ongoing and
potential research projects with
faculty members, reporting
to the Board of Governors
regarding institutional policy
and oversight and advising the
hospital director and scientific
director on scientific policy
decisions, appointments,
research directions and clinical
activities.
CHAIR
Robert M. Stroud, PhD
Professor
Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics
University of California, San Francisco
VICE CHAIR
Sarah S. Donaldson, MD, FACR
Catharine and Howard Avery Professor
Department of Radiation Oncology
Stanford University School of Medicine
MEMBERS
Patrick O. Brown, MD, PhD
Professor, Investigator
Department of Biochemistry
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Stanford University Medical Center
Valerie Castle, MD
Professor and Chair
Department of Pediatrics
C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital
University of Michigan
Donald E. Ganem, MD
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
University of California, San Francisco
G.W. Hooper Foundation
Kathleen M. Giacomini, PhD
Professor and Chair
Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences
University of California, San Francisco
Marilyn Hockenberry, PhD
Director, Center for Research
and Evidence-Based Practice
Nurse Scientist and Director of Nurse Practitioners
Texas Children’s Hospital
Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Baylor College of Medicine
Michael P. Link, MD
The Lydia J. Lee Professor of Pediatrics
Chief, Division of Hematology/Oncology
Stanford University School of Medicine
John Quackenbush, PhD
Professor
Department of Biostatistics
and Computational Biology
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Robert C. Shamberger, MD
Chief
Department of Surgery
Children’s Hospital Boston
Paul M. Sondel, MD, PhD
Professor and Division Head
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
University of Wisconsin Medical School
Louise C. Strong, MD
Sue and Radcliffe Killam Chair
Professor of Cancer Genetics
Department of Cancer Genetics
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Craig B. Thompson, MD
Scientific Director
Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute
University of Pennsylvania
James A. Wells, PhD
Professor
Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Molecular
and Cellular Pharmacology
University of California, San Francisco
William G. Kaelin, Jr., MD
Professor
Department of Medicine
Dana-Farber Institute
Harvard Medical School Investigator
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
15
TOGETHER
16
we save lives.
St. Jude has transformed the way the world treats childhood cancer. The
research and care pioneered by St. Jude are shared freely with doctors and
scientists all over the world.
But too many children in developing countries lack access to modern
treatment. The St. Jude International Outreach Program aims to improve the
survival rates of children with catastrophic illnesses worldwide. Through the
program’s Web site, Cure4kids.org, doctors worldwide now have access to
a free and open online meeting place for clinical discussions of catastrophic
diseases.
As a research institution, St. Jude has the unique mission to generate the
knowledge that will save the lives of children in communities everywhere.
17
St. Jude reaches out to children around
the world
Raul Ribeiro, MD
18
Yuri Quintana, PhD
The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital extends far
beyond the borders of the United States. Improved therapy has dramatically
increased survival rates for children with cancer, but worldwide, fewer than
30 percent of children with cancer have access to modern treatment. The
St. Jude International Outreach Program helps improve the survival rates of
children around the globe, through the transfer of knowledge, technology and
organizational skills.
International Outreach has created a resource that brings St. Jude
knowledge and research to health care providers worldwide. In a modern, online
twist on encyclopedias, health care professionals can access an interactive Web
site devoted to pediatric hematology and oncology. Users can submit patient
cases and discuss them through this service, which is dubbed Oncopedia. An
expert panel reviews all content submitted to the site. These experts describe
how they would handle cases and engage in online discussions, responding to
queries and adding more information.
“Oncopedia has two important dimensions,” says Raul Ribeiro, MD,
International Outreach director. “First, it creates a space for health care
providers to interact and discuss specific pediatric hematology and oncology
issues. Second, it provides a forum for pediatric hematologists and oncologists
to describe their most interesting cases and share them with peers around the
world.”
Oncopedia is an outgrowth of www.cure4kids.org, the hospital’s highly
successful Web site dedicated to improving health care for children in countries
around the globe. Cure4Kids provides educational content to more than 17,000
doctors, nurses and other health care professionals in 164 countries. Content is
presented in the form of online seminars and conferences with audio narration;
electronic full-text books and journals; and online self-paced courses. All
material can be easily downloaded and shared for educational use.
“Cure4Kids content is developed by world experts in the care of children
with cancer, various blood disorders and selected catastrophic conditions such
as HIV/AIDS,” says Yuri Quintana, PhD, director of education and infomatics
in International Outreach. “While most of the content is in English, selected
materials are also available in Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, French
and Arabic.” The site contains areas where groups can hold Web-based
meetings, share documents and discuss clinical treatments of children with
cancer. More than 200 international groups meet regularly on Cure4Kids to
discuss difficult cases.
International Outreach develops partnerships with medical institutions and
fundraising organizations in partner countries and recruits other agencies and
organizations to support key programs and the education of local personnel.
“This initiative represents a new and exciting model in which effective
treatment approaches can be rapidly shared between rich and poor nations,”
Ribeiro says.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has five
clinic sites in its Domestic Affiliate Program. These
clinics enroll patients on St. Jude protocols and
participate in St. Jude research and treatment
programs. The clinics are:
• Johnson City Medical Center
Johnson City, Tennessee
• St. Jude Midwest Affiliate
Peoria, Illinois
• Louisiana State University
Department of Pediatrics
Shreveport, Louisiana
• Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children
Huntsville, Alabama
The International Outreach Program works with partners around the world as part of the St. Jude mission to improve the survival of children suffering from catastrophic diseases.
There are 15 St. Jude international partner sites.
Brazil:
Unidade de Oncologia Pediatrica – Instituto Materno Infantil de Pernambuco
Centro de Hematologia e Oncologia Pediatrica (Recife)
Chile:
Hospital Luis Calvo Mackenna (Santiago)
China:
Shanghai Children’s Medical Center
Beijing Children’s Hospital
Costa Rica:
Hospital Nacional de Ninos (San Jose)
Ecuador:
Hospital de la Sociedad de Lucha Contra el Cancer Nucleo de Quito
Hospital de Ninos Baca Ortiz (Quito)
El Salvador
Hospital Benjamin Bloom (San Salvador)
Guatemala
Unidad Nacional de Oncologia Pediatrica (Guatemala City)
Honduras
Hospital Escuela Materno Infantil (Tegucigalpa)
Ireland
Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children (Dublin)
Jordan
King Hussein Cancer Center (Amman)
Lebanon
American University of Beirut/Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon (Beirut)
Mexico
Hospital Pediatrico de Sinaloa (Culiacan)
Hospital Civil de Guadalajara
Morocco
Hospital d’Enfants (Rabat)
Hospital 20 Aout 1953 (Casablanca)
Philippines
Davao Medical Center
Venezuela
Hospital de Ninos J.M. de los Rios (Caracas)
Hospital de Especialidades Pediatricas (Maracaibo)
19
TOGETHER
20
we celebrate life.
At St. Jude, our approach to patient care is driven by our philosophy that
patients should live as normal a childhood as possible, even as they are
fighting life-threatening illnesses.
Our Child Life professionals understand the stress and anxiety that a
catastrophic illness can put on a child. Through age-appropriate play, they help
our young patients understand their diseases and treatment. They help older
patients talk through and cope with their fears. These professionals, together
with the doctors, nurses, scientists and other hospital staff, always remember
that our patients are children first.
The children of St. Jude may be facing the toughest battles of their lives, but
they still want to run and play and dance. At St. Jude, they can.
21
St. Jude in pictures: 2007-2008
All About The Body
Teen and Young Adult Prom
Silly Field Day
The Child Life professionals at St. Jude organize numerous
The red carpet signaled the beginning of an evening of en-
The battle lines were drawn and the combatants were armed
events and activities throughout the year. Some are designed
chantment for St. Jude patients at this year’s teen and young
and more than ready. Then the aerosol assault was launched.
to educate patients and their families, while others are strictly
adult prom. The St. Jude Child Life department organizes this
The “string” flew as St. Jude patients, families and staff chose
for fun. During “All About the Body Week,” patients and their
annual event for patients and their siblings because many will
sides in a Silly String war. The messy, fun-filled battle kicked
siblings learn how the body works through a series of hands-
miss their own proms while undergoing treatment. Before the
off St. Jude’s annual Silly Field Day, which also featured a
on activities. They explore the five senses and the function of
prom, the teens are treated to a pamper party where the girls
dunk tank, face painting and various carnival games. Such
organs and bones. The week helps the children understand
get their hair, makeup and nails done and the boys are fitted
play helps minimize the stress and anxiety that many patients
the connections between their bodies and what they experi-
with tuxedos. They are then whisked from the pamper party
face during treatment. It also promotes children’s growth and
ence during treatment. The fun activities help break down
in limousines to the Danny Thomas/ALSAC Pavilion on the
development and helps patients achieve developmental mile-
complex concepts for patients and their siblings in ways that
hospital’s campus for their red carpet entrance to the prom.
stones while they receive treatment.
make them more comprehensible.
22
School Days
Sibling Star Day
Trick-or-Treating Trail
Graduation is an important milestone and St. Jude helps keep
When a child comes to St. Jude for treatment, their siblings
Every year, the St. Jude staff transforms the hallways of the
patients on the road to a diploma. St. Jude has dedicated
often come, too. They are uprooted from their homes and
hospital into a trick-or-treating trail for patients and their sib-
classrooms for patients who may be at St. Jude for many
friends, and face their own fears about the illness that threat-
lings so that they can enjoy that favorite event of childhood—
months. Certified teachers in the St. Jude School, working
ens their brothers and sisters. But they also are a source of
Halloween. The staff delights in dressing up and decorating
with assignments and textbooks from a child’s home school,
tremendous strength and support for the patients. Each year
their trick-or-treat booths to attract pint-sized princesses,
help patients continue their normal educational activities. The
St. Jude recognizes the important contributions made by sib-
superheroes and animal characters. The hospital does not
school program also helps patients transition back into their
lings to the health and well-being of patients on “Sibling Star
pass up an opportunity to celebrate life and share every spe-
school environment at home once their treatment ends. And
Day.” Special activities, including a recognition ceremony, are
cial occasion—from St. Patrick’s Day to New Year’s—with the
graduation is treated as a big event, especially if those gradu-
held and hospital staff cheers on the sibling stars.
patients and families of St. Jude.
ates are kindergartners.
23
TOGETHER
24
we grow.
St. Jude now has 2.5 million square feet of research, clinical and administrative
space dedicated to saving the lives of children.
The new Chili’s Care Center integrates patient treatment and research,
following St. Jude’s groundbreaking bench-to-bedside model of care. This
state-of-the-art facility keeps St. Jude at the cutting edge of radiation therapy.
The hospital’s new cafeteria, Kay Kafe, and adjoining kitchens put St. Jude at
the forefront of clinical nutrition programs. New dining options help meet the
needs of patients with medical or cultural dietary restrictions and those who
have difficulty eating.
At St. Jude the welfare of our patients and their families comes first. Together,
the opening of Chili’s Care Center and Kay Kafe in Fiscal Year 2008 have
enhanced our ability to conduct world-class research and provide unsurpassed
patient care.
25
Chili’s Care Center enhances patient care
Up until construction began on the Chili’s Care Center in 2004, the building was
only a vision on paper. It took hundreds of people to turn that vision into reality
for the patients, researchers, clinicians and staff of St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital. The building welcomed patients in April 2008 as a significant part of
St. Jude’s long-term strategy to translate basic research into the most advanced
and effective care of patients.
The Chili’s Care Center combines 21st century imaging and treatment technology
with the hospital’s almost half-century approach to medicine: Put patients and
scientists under one roof to fast track the translation of new knowledge into
improved and more effective care. This bench-to-bedside model is reflected in this
new building, where patient rooms and procedure areas are located in the same
building as research labs.
The building was named to honor St. Jude’s close partnership with Chili’s Grill &
Bar®. Chili’s has made a 10-year, $50 million commitment to the hospital.
The Chili’s Care Center houses radiation oncology and diagnostic imaging facilities,
an 18-bed inpatient bone marrow transplantation and cellular immunotherapy
unit and two floors of research laboratories. The main motivation for constructing
the building was the need to expand and modernize facilities for the Radiological
Sciences department, including Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Oncology
divisions.
The Chili’s Care Center welcomes a new addition to the St. Jude campus: the
cyclotron. This state-of-the-art machine provides an array of new research
initiatives in nuclear chemistry and nuclear medicine by using novel radiolabeled
pharmaceuticals to track tumor extent and response to therapies. It is the only
cyclotron dedicated to producing tracers solely for understanding and developing
treatments for catastrophic diseases of childhood.
In keeping with the child-friendly theme of the hospital’s Patient Care Center,
designers of the Chili’s Care Center were mindful of the colors they chose. Special
artwork adorns the walls so it can easily be replaced to change the look at any time.
Importantly, patients provided original artwork to hang alongside unique works from
St. Jude photographers and local artists.
26
New Kay Kafe is well done
Mix one state-of-the-art cafeteria with a team of dedicated chefs
and dieticians knowledgeable in the nutritional needs of children
with catastrophic illnesses. Add a dash of innovation and a pinch of
creativity, and it’s a recipe to aid recovery.
The opening of Kay Kafe has enhanced the ability of St. Jude’s
Clinical Nutrition program to provide optimal medical nutrition therapy
to children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. The new
hospital cafeteria and kitchen, which opened in June 2008, were the
result of a $16 million gift from Sterling Jewelers Inc. The cafeteria’s
name honors Kay Jewelers, a division of Sterling.
The kitchen gives chefs more space to create meals for inpatients with
medical or cultural dietary restrictions and helps to ensure patients
who have difficulty eating because of treatment side-effects can find
dining options.
St. Jude embraces the diverse population of its patients and their
families by offering a wide variety of cuisines at Kay Kafe while
upholding the highest food safety and sanitation standards. Patients
and their families can enjoy four types of southern barbecue on a
smoker, Indian biryani rice or authentic Chinese dishes made-to-order
by specially trained chefs. Patients can also enjoy ethnic choices such
as Mediterranean salads, pastas or Italian ice cream.
St. Jude clinicians also recognize that children respond best to
treatment when they have access to the foods they love. So, if
dad’s macaroni and cheese is what the patient craves, that’s exactly
what the hospital kitchen will serve. The hospital’s dietitians, dietary
technicians and chefs often replicate patients’ favorite dishes by
using recipes obtained from the children’s families or by visiting local
grocery stores to purchase ingredients for special orders.
“Our primary goal is to get our kids to eat. It’s the most natural thing
for them to do,” says Karen Smith, clinical coordinator in the Clinical
Nutrition department. “The new cafeteria has given us a world of
opportunity in enhancing our patients’ oral intake with more options
for healthy, nutritious and culturally diverse foods.”
27
TOGETHER
28
we care.
Danny Thomas promised St. Jude would be a place of hope. A place
where parents could focus on their children and not worry about the cost of
treatment.
To that end, Danny established ALSAC in 1957 to raise the money necessary
to fund the hospital. In keeping with Danny’s promise, St. Jude is the only
pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not
covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s
inability to pay.
Thanks to the support of passionately committed volunteers, corporate
partners and donors, ALSAC raised $660 million in Fiscal Year 2008 to meet
St. Jude’s operating cost of nearly $1.4 million a day. These dedicated people
come from all walks of life and range in age from schoolchildren to senior
citizens. Together, they share a common goal: to help the children of St. Jude.
29
Public Support
Donor Care
ALSAC’s Donor Care division includes Donor
Experience Management, Lean Six Sigma, Market
Research and Analysis, Donor Services, Donor
Account Processing, Outsourced Operations,
Merchandise Marketing and the Production Center. This division focuses on the Donors as assets and
is committed to enhancing the donation experience,
retaining our valued donor base, and through
advanced methods striving to make all of ALSAC
more efficient and effective.
Gift Planning
Gift Planning identifies, cultivates and stewards some
of the hospital’s most dedicated donors in their wishes
to make major commitments in support of St. Jude.
Gift Planning works to establish strong, enduring
relationships with donors who will support St. Jude
throughout their lives through estate planning and
other major and leadership gifts.
Gift Planning colleagues work closely with the donors’
financial advisors to help them achieve their charitable
goals. These donors may consider planned gifts such
as bequests, securities, other properties of value or
gifts that preserve income through the life of the gift
recipient. More than 7,500 donors have agreed to fund
legacy gifts to St. Jude through their estate plans and
have become members of the Danny Thomas St. Jude
Society.
The Gift Planning team in the field made more than
20,000 personal calls and visits to donors last year as
part of the team’s commitment to those who faithfully
support St. Jude. Gift Planning also personally calls
each donor who makes a gift of $500 or more, making
more than 17,000 thank-you calls last year. Gift
Planning held 36 luncheons for society members last
year, furthering its relationships with these dedicated
donors.
30
Gospel star Yolanda Adams visits with patients.
The St. Jude Memphis Marathon drew 11,000 runners in 2007.
Gift Planning also cultivates gifts from other sources,
including family, corporate and community foundations
and corporate leaders who want to support St. Jude’s
mission with their own personal giving.
patients and their families during their care and treatment
at St. Jude. The special airs approximately 1,500 times
in almost 150 markets nationwide.
Corporate Alliances
Donors wishing to make gifts for a specific program and
purpose have numerous opportunities available to them.
Gift Planning’s donor-centered approach matches donor
interests with hospital needs for today and the future.
National Direct Marketing
Direct mail has traditionally been one of St. Jude’s
most effective fundraising tools. More than 100 million
mail pieces are sent to donors and prospective donors
each year. As a result, St. Jude acquires more than 1
million new donors each year. Direct mail is also used to
reach our more than 5 million active donors who make
an average direct mail gift of about $30. This includes
more than 400,000 Partner In Hope donors who make
monthly gifts to St. Jude and receive monthly patient
and hospital updates. The direct mail program raises
approximately $280 million annually.
The St. Jude story is brought to millions of households
each year through national television marketing and a
one-hour reality television special. The show, hosted
by St. Jude National Outreach Director Marlo Thomas,
gives viewers an in-depth look into the lives of St. Jude
Corporate Alliances creates and maintains corporate
partner relationships, positioning St. Jude as the
preeminent cause-related charity of choice. Corporate
Alliances develops these partner relationships by steering
program development, maximizing fundraising potential
and developing a shared plan to achieve mutually
agreed-upon philanthropic objectives. These partners
benefit from St. Jude’s global impact and nationwide
brand awareness, while allowing their employees
and customers to make a difference in the lives of
catastrophically ill children worldwide. This year,
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital received the
Golden Halo award—the top honor in the cause
marketing industry—for our work with corporate
partners and their fundraising programs.
The most visible program managed by Corporate
Alliances is the Thanks and Giving® campaign, which is
an unprecedented coming together of celebrities, media
and corporate partners to raise funds and awareness for
St. Jude. In this annual campaign held during November
and December, more than 50 of the nation’s leading
brands join together to support the mission of St. Jude.
Radio stations help ensure that listeners from all
walks of life know that St. Jude is a national and
international resource. From our long-time friends in
the country music industry to Spanish-language outlets
coast to coast, the diversity of formats represented
through more than 300 annual St. Jude broadcasts
mirrors the broad support they bring to our cause.
This year, Yolanda Adams anchored the inaugural
Radio One on gospel stations in nine cities, raising $1
million. Cumulatively, our Country Cares, Promesa y
Esperanza, and Radio Cares partners generated more
than $50 million in cash and pledges this year alone.
A mariachi band performs at the Promesa y Esperanza Seminar.
Target Corporation hosts a holiday Wish List party every year for
St. Jude patients.
The campaign has incredibly high visibility and receives
extensive national media coverage.
patients, families and staff many additional nutritious
options in a more spacious environment, including
display cooking areas, outdoor seating and interactive
areas for the kids. As with everything that Sterling
Jewelers, Kay Jewelers’ parent company, accomplishes
for St. Jude, the Kay Kafe is an outstanding contribution.
We are very proud to be affiliated with our many
exceptional corporate partners and are even more proud
of their accomplishments on behalf of St. Jude. Some
of these partners include Target, Chili’s Grill & Bar®, Kay
Jewelers, Williams-Sonoma Inc., Kmart, CVS/pharmacy,
AutoZone, Gymboree and Domino’s.
This year marked the opening of two major facilities
on the St. Jude campus funded by and named for
corporate partners—the Chili’s Care Center and the Kay
Kafe. The Chili’s Care Center houses the major treatment
and research programs for brain tumor and bone marrow
transplant patients, representing a major milestone in
translational research and patient care capabilities. Chili’s
Grill & Bar has committed to raise $50 million for the
Chili’s Care Center over a 10-year period, and the 2007
Create-A-Pepper to Fight Childhood Cancer campaign
raised more than $8.2 million alone. This phenomenal
donation is the largest corporate contribution made to
St. Jude from a single partner campaign to date.
Kay Jewelers has raised $14 million for St. Jude through
the sale of 2.7 million holiday gift items as well as
corporate and employee donations. The Kay Kafe, a
$16 million multi-year donation to St. Jude, is providing
Employee Giving, another key program managed by
Corporate Alliances, brings in funds from employees at
companies such as Averitt Express, Zurich American
Insurance Group, Sterling Jewelers Inc., IBM, EFS
Transportation and Roadway Express. This year,
Corporate Alliances implemented an online donation
Web site, which allows employees to donate from their
companies’ intranets as well as giving through credit
cards. In addition, Corporate Alliances receives matching
gift funds from companies such as General Electric,
Wellpoint, Pfizer, Merck and Johnson & Johnson.
Field Operations
More than 1 million volunteers conducted 34,000
events this year to help fund the lifesaving mission of
St. Jude. Our contingent of field staff is small
compared to other national health agencies, but they
enthusiastically support these volunteer-led, communitybased fundraisers.
Nickelodeon’s NOGGIN brought cable network
attention and record participation to our long-standing
Trike-A-Thon pre-school and daycare program, which
raised $9.3 million. Our well-received Math-A-Thon
program raised $18.6 million with the help of more
than 10,000 grade schools across the country.
Up ’til Dawn raised a record $4.5 million on 200
college campuses across the country, while 128
Tri-Delta chapters brought in another $2.3 million with
unique activities throughout the year. High school
students embraced our cause by raising more than
$300,000 for Rally Against Childhood Cancer.
Motorcycle riders, horseback enthusiasts, marathon
runners—even triathletes and Corvette collectors—
combined their shared interests with a passion for
saving young lives, organizing grass-roots efforts to
boost public support for St. Jude. Together, they made
a big difference. Field Operations revenue totaled $172
million this fiscal year.
To each coordinator, participant, and
donor, we say “thank you” for sustaining
the patients and families of St. Jude.
31
TOGETHER
32
we are committed.
Danny Thomas believed that “no child should die in the dawn of life.”
That belief is shared by the employees, board members and supporters
of St. Jude and ALSAC, men and women who see every day as another
opportunity to help save a child’s life.
The members of the ALSAC/St. Jude Boards of Directors and Governors serve
voluntarily and without compensation. Many remain on the boards throughout
their professional lives. They have passed along their dedication to a second
generation who are now stepping forward to support St. Jude’s lifesaving
mission. Leaders in the business and entertainment industries voluntarily
provide guidance and expertise on our Professional Advisory Board. And
together, the leadership and staff of St. Jude and ALSAC work relentlessly
to provide and support the research and treatment of catastrophic childhood
diseases.
33
ALSAC/St. Jude
Boards of Governors
and Directors
The same volunteers serve
without compensation on the
ALSAC Board of Directors
and the Board of Governors of
St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital. In 1989, the Boards
of Directors and Governors
created an honorary body to
recognize distinguished service
on the Board by those unable to
continue to actively participate.
These emeritus members
are entitled to all privileges
of Board members and may
participate as they are able, but
they do not vote.
Full Board meetings were
held Sept. 28, 2007, with 38 in
attendance; Nov. 17, 2007, with
39 in attendance; Feb. 9, 2008,
with 40 in attendance; April 19,
2008, with 41 in attendance,
and June 22, 2008, with 38 in
attendance.
Richard A. Abdoo
Business
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Terry Burman
Retail
Akron, Ohio
Judy A. Habib**
Marketing
Boston, Massachusetts
Joyce Aboussie**
Public Relations
St. Louis, Missouri
Stephen J. Camer, MD**
Surgeon
Dedham, Massachusetts
Anthony R. Abraham
(Emeritus)
Automotive Sales – Retired
Miami, Florida
V. Reo Campian
(Emeritus)
Manufacturing – Retired
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Halim G. Habib, MD
(Emeritus)
Physician – Retired
Norfolk, Massachusetts
Thomas G. Abraham
Business
Miami, Florida
Joseph G. Cory, PhD**
Professor of Biochemistry
Greenville, North Carolina
Susan Mack Aguillard, MD
Pediatrician
Memphis, Tennessee
Leslie Dale
(Emeritus)
Communications – Retired
Memphis, Tennessee
Mahir R. Awdeh, MD
Cardiologist
Memphis, Tennessee
Joseph S. Ayoub, Jr.**
Attorney
Boston, Massachusetts
Paul J. Ayoub**
Attorney
Boston, Massachusetts
James B. Barkate
Real Estate/Title Research
Gretna, Louisiana
Martha Perine Beard**
Banking
Memphis, Tennessee
34
Joseph M. Haggar, Jr.
(Emeritus)
Investments
Addison, Texas
Paul K. Hajar
Publishing
Norwood, Massachusetts
Charles C. Hajjar
Real Estate
Boston, Massachusetts
Peter G. Decker, Jr.
(Emeritus)
Attorney
Norfolk, Virginia
Sam F. Hamra
(Emeritus)
Attorney
Springfield, Missouri
Lewis R. Donelson, III
(Emeritus)
Attorney
Memphis, Tennessee
David G. Hanna
Investments
Atlanta, Georgia
Michael Driebe
Health Care Adminstration
Pomona, California
Edward M. Eissey, PhD**
Educator – Retired
North Palm Beach, Florida
Jack A. Belz
Real Estate
Memphis, Tennessee
Hasan M. El Khatib
(Emeritus)
Pharmaceuticals
Deer Park, Illinois
Kathie Berlin
Public Relations
New York, New York
George Elias, Jr.
Attorney
Miami, Florida
Robert A. Breit, MD**
Radiologist
Northbrook, Illinois
Fred P. Gattas, Jr.
Business
Memphis, Tennessee
Fred R. Harris**
Manufacturing
Memphis, Tennessee
Theodore Hazer
(Emeritus)
Broker – Retired
Omaha, Nebraska
Bruce B. Hopkins
Banking
Memphis, Tennessee
Joseph G. Hyder
(Emeritus)
Broadcasting
Milford, Massachusetts
Albert Joseph*
(Emeritus)
Retired
Chicago, Illinois
Honorable James O. Naifeh
(Emeritus)
Government
Covington, Tennessee
Joseph D. Karam
(Emeritus)
Wendy’s Franchise Owner
Columbus, Ohio
James O. Naifeh, Jr.
Banking
Memphis, Tennessee
Richard J. Karam
Attorney
San Antonio, Texas
James A. Kinney
(Emeritus)
Banking – Retired
Memphis, Tennessee
Judy Lester
(Emeritus)
Business – Retired
Seymour, Indiana
Salli LeVan
Business Consultant
Roswell, Georgia
Albert W. Lian
(Emeritus)
Attorney – Retired
New Rochelle, New York
Donald G. Mack, MD
(Emeritus)
Pediatrician
Shreveport, Louisiana
George M. Maloof
(Emeritus)
Attorney – Retired
Cleveland, Ohio
Jim A. Maloof
(Emeritus)
Real Estate
Peoria, Illinois
Paul J. Marcus**
Investments
Boston, Massachusetts
David B.Nimer
(Emeritus)
Export-Import
Miami, Florida
Talat M. Othman**
Investments
Long Grove, Illinois
Thomas J. Penn, III
Assistant General Manager
Portland Trailblazers
Portland, Oregon
Edward W. Reed, MD
(Emeritus)
Physician – Retired
Memphis, Tennessee
Manal Saab
Business
Grand Blanc, Michigan
Camille F. Sarrouf**
Attorney
Boston, Massachusetts
Camille F. Sarrouf, Jr.**
Attorney
Boston, Massachusetts
Richard Shadyac**
Attorney – Retired
Falls Church, Virginia
Richard Shadyac, Jr.**
Attorney
Falls Church, Virginia
Joseph G. Shaker**
Advertising
Oak Park, Illinois
George A. Simon, II**
Manufacturing
Detroit, Michigan
Ramzi T. Younis, MD
Physician
Miami, Florida
Paul J. Simon**
Manufacturing
Detroit, Michigan
Tama Zaydon
Investments
Coconut Grove, Florida
Frederick W. Smith
(Emeritus)
Aviation Transportation
Memphis, Tennessee
Raymond J. Zoghby
Real Estate
Mobile, Alabama
Edward D. Soma, MD**
Radiologist – Retired
Kensington, Maryland
EX-OFFICIOS
Dr. William E. Evans, PharmD**
Director and Chief Executive
Officer
St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital
Memphis, Tennessee
Ronald Terry
(Emeritus)
Investments – Retired
Terre Thomas
Writer
Beverly Hills, California
Tony Thomas
Producer
North Hollywood, California
Pat Kerr Tigrett
Designer
Memphis, Tennessee
Richard M. Unes
Construction
Peoria, Illinois
Paul H. Wein**
Attorney
Guilderland, New York
Thomas C. Wertz
Finance
McLean, Virgina
Robert P. Younes, MD
(Emeritus)
Medical Director
Potomac, Maryland
EXECUTIVE ADMINSTRATOR
TO THE BOARD
Helen B. Wood**
ALSAC/St. Jude Boards
Memphis, Tennessee
EPSILON SIGMA ALPHA
Rhea Weaver
ESA President
2007-2008
(Non-elected member)
*Deceased
**Executive Management Board
John P. Moses**
Chief Executive Officer
ALSAC (Retired)
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
ALSAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Joyce Aboussie
Chairperson/President
Richard Shadyac, Jr.
First Vice Chair
Camille F. Sarrouf, Jr.
Second Vice Chair
ST. JUDE BOARD OF
GOVERNORS OFFICERS
Joseph G. Cory
Chair/President
Stephen J. Camer, MD
First Vice Chair
Robert A. Breit, MD
Second Vice Chair
Fred R. Harris
Secretary
35
36
ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Combined Financial Highlights for Fiscal Year 2008
Years Ended June 30 (in thousands)
Revenues
2008
2007
Total Support
Net Patient Services Revenue
Research Grants
Net Investment Income
Other
Total Revenues $660,200
68,853
67,665
32,189
7,708 836,615
$587,629
70,045
70,804
254,762
7,412
990,652
Years Ended June 30 (in thousands)
Expenses
2008
Program Expenses
Patient Care Services
224,649
Research
236,498
Education, Training and Community Support
66,900
Total Program Expenses
528,047 Fundraising
Administrative and General
211,842
212,154
61,861
485,857
Total Expenses
117,034
72,009
717,090 94,840
65,613
646,310
Gain (loss) on Disposal of Property and Equipment
Loss on Bond Defeasance
132
--
(718)
(7,133)
Change in Net Assets
Beginning Net Assets
Ending Net Assets
119,657
2,096,074
2,215,731
336,491
1,759,583
2,096,074
2007
Allocation of Funds Received for Fiscal Year 2008
Research and Treatment
77.4%
Fundraising
14.0%
Administrative
8.6%
37
General Information
The Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which opened
in 1962, is one of the world’s premier pediatric cancer
research centers. Its mission is to advance cures, and
means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases
through research and treatment. Consistent with the
vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is
denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s
inability to pay. Children from all 50 states and around
the world have come through the doors of St. Jude for
treatment, and thousands more around the world have
benefited from the knowledge gleaned from the research
conducted.
Fundraising
ALSAC was incorporated in 1957 and exists for the sole
purpose of raising funds to support the operating and
maintenance expenses of St. Jude. During the past three
years, 84 cents of every dollar received has supported
the research and treatment at St. Jude.
Ethnic Origin
In searching for a way to construct the shrine he had
vowed to build to honor St. Jude Thaddeus, Danny
Thomas, a proud Lebanese-American, turned to fellow
citizens of the same ethnic background around the
country. He asked for help in raising the funds to build
St. Jude. “We would be repaying this great nation for the
freedom it gave our parents and grandparents,” Thomas
told them. They embraced the cause, many of them
helping establish ALSAC. Today, ALSAC’s membership
and its thousands of volunteers include people of all
ages, ethnic backgrounds and walks of life.
ALSAC
In its beginnings, ALSAC was composed entirely of
volunteers. As the organization grew and its fundraising
activities became increasingly diverse, it was necessary
to put a professional staff in place. The organization’s
Boards of Directors and Governors, however, still
consist entirely of volunteers.
The National Executive Office (NEO) in Memphis,
Tennessee, provides professional knowledge and
administrative support for ALSAC’s fundraising
operation. ALSAC’s regional offices coordinate
volunteer activities in various states. In addition, two
Volunteer Service Centers handle telephone recruitment
of volunteers for ALSAC’s community development
programs. Oversight of ALSAC’s regional offices
38
and chapters is provided by NEO, and a centralized
accounting system ensures the proper stewardship of
donations to St. Jude.
research center where families never pay for treatments
not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied
treatment because of a family’s inability to pay.
Financial Categories Defined
The financial highlights on page 37 broadly reflect the
source of ALSAC’s income and expenses. The following
explains these categories in greater detail. Full copies of
the audited financials can be obtained by calling 1-800822-6344.
Research expenditures consist of clinical and
Patient care services consists of all care needed for
active patients of St. Jude. For example, for a child with
acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of
childhood cancer, a successful course of treatment would
consist of two to three years of active therapy.
Initial therapy to induce remission (absence of
cancer cells) requires about four to eight weeks of
hospitalization or a succession of outpatient visits. In
general, most children receive their treatments in the
hospital’s clinics rather than being confined to hospital
beds.
Once remission is achieved, the patient’s chemotherapy
treatments may be overseen by a St. Jude doctor, or
by the patient’s doctor in his or her home community,
using drugs provided by the hospital. The length of time
between clinic visits depends upon the patient’s progress.
The same system is used for treatment at St. Jude
affiliates in Peoria, Illinois; Johnson City, Tennessee;
Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Shreveport, Louisiana; and
Huntsville, Alabama. Patients remain active in the
research protocol through periodic checkups in the clinic
for 10 years or until age 18, whichever comes later. After
that, patients become alumni and are followed annually
by mail or telephone. Children with other kinds of cancer
may require more or less intensive therapy depending
upon the guidelines for that particular treatment program.
Children must meet the following medical criteria
for acceptance to St. Jude: they must have a disease
currently under study; they must be referred by their
physicians; normally they must be no older than 18 years
of age; and, except in certain cases, they must not have
received prior extensive treatment at another institution.
Once accepted, all St. Jude patients are treated regardless
of ability to pay. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer
laboratory research and research services. Clinical
research expenses are those incurred by St. Jude
physicians in the treatment of patients. These expenses
cover laboratories, technicians, supplies and staff
salaries needed to evaluate data acquired from medical
services provided to patients or clinical laboratory trials.
Laboratory research expenses are those incurred through
the hospital’s basic biomedical science programs.
St. Jude’s state-of-the-art laboratories offer an ideal
environment for the scientist interested in molecular
genetic research of childhood cancer. Learning more
about the genes that cause disease will lead to the
discovery of new ways to improve their treatment,
particularly for childhood cancers. Research at St. Jude
is also aimed at finding more effective anti-cancer drugs,
better ways to treat hematologic diseases, such as sickle
cell disease, and infectious diseases; and more efficient
and safer methods of administering treatments. Research
expenses include the medical library, computer links to
the National Cancer Institute and other services directly
associated with research.
Education, training and community service
expenses represent the costs of the continuing efforts of
St. Jude staff to inform general and specialized audiences
about research and treatment procedures and advances
being made in the area of childhood catastrophic
diseases. This is being done through printed materials,
speeches, video presentations, internet tools and
seminars to professional associations, civic organizations
and other groups. The hospital also offers a diverse
training environment to qualified physicians, nurses
and predoctoral research fellows. Emphasis is on basic
biomedical sciences, pediatric hematologyoncology
and childhood cancer nursing. Fund-raising expenses
represent all costs associated with efforts to obtain
donations for the hospital.
Administrative and general expenses represent the
supporting services that St. Jude and ALSAC require for
all activities, including program services. Utilities and
housekeeping expenses, although necessary to research
and patient care, are considered to be administrative
expenses.
39
St. Jude Executive
Committee
James Boyett, PhD
Chair
Biostatistics
James Ihle, PhD
Chair
Biochemistry
Stephen Shochat, MD
Chair
Surgery
Mike Canarios
Senior Vice President
Chief Financial Officer
Michael Kastan, MD, PhD
Executive Vice President
Comprehensive Cancer
Center Director
Elaine Tuomanen, MD
Chair
Infectious Diseases
Peter Doherty, PhD
Nobel Laureate Immunology
Pam Dotson, RN, MBA
Senior Vice President
Patient Care Services
and CNO
James Downing, MD
Executive Vice President
Scientific Director
Amar Gajjar, MD
Co-Chair
Oncology
Douglas Green, PhD
Chair
Immunology
Gerard Grosveld, PhD
Chair
Genetics and Tumor Cell
Biology
Dr. William Evans
Director and Chief Executive Officer
Joseph H. Laver, MD
Executive Vice President
Clinical Director
James Morgan, PhD
Chair
Developmental Neurobiology
Clayton Naeve, PhD
Senior Vice President
Chief Information Officer
Ching-Hon Pui, MD
Chair
Oncology
Mary Anna Quinn
Senior Vice President
Human Resources
Kip Guy, PhD
Chair
Chemical Biology
Mary Relling, PharmD
Chair
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Greg Hale, MD
Chair
Medical Executive
Committee
Raul Ribeiro, MD
Director
International Outreach
Program
Clinton Hermes, JD
Senior Vice President
General Counsel
Les Robison, PhD
Chair
Epidemiology and Cancer
Control
Peter Houghton, PhD
Chair
Molecular Pharmacology
40
Larry Kun, MD
Chair
Radiological Sciences
Charles Sherr, MD, PhD
Co-Chair
Genetics and Tumor Cell
Biology
Russell Ware, MD, PhD
Chair
Hematology
Stephen White, PhD
Chair
Structural Biology
ALSAC Senior Staff
David L. McKee
Chief Operating Officer
Randy Nichols
Executive Vice President
Administration
Brenda Abshure
Senior Vice President
Gift Planning
Marilyn Elledge
Senior Vice President
Donor Care
Emily S. Greer
Senior Vice President
Human Resources
Mark Hendricks
Vice President
Community Outreach and
Developmental Support
Lori O’Brien
Senior Vice President
National Direct Marketing
Jeffrey T. Pearson
Senior Vice President
Finance
Chief Financial Officer
John P. Moses
Chief Executive Officer*
*Mr. Moses retired as CEO Sept. 15, 2008. David L. McKee
is currently serving as interim CEO.
William Reeser
Senior Vice President
Investments
Chief Investments Officer
George P. Shadroui
Vice President
Communications
Emil Sommerlad
Senior Vice President
ITS
Chief Information Officer
Diane Spears
Senior Vice President and
General Counsel
Legal
Clark Sweat
Senior Vice President
Corporate Alliances
DIGITAL INTERNET GROUP
Mike Duly
E-Commerce Strategy
John B. Vranas
Senior Vice President
Field Operations
DONOR CARE
Ingrid Velasquez McGraw
Marshall Kleiser
Foundation Relations, Gift
Resources and Support Services Planning
Executive Directors
John McQuaig
Michelle Wamble
Strategic Initiatives, Donor Care Donor Relations, Stewardship
Christopher Boysen
Field Marketing
Wilfred Busby
Volunteer Service Centers
Susan Decker
Field Management
Glenn Keesee
Program and Market
Development
Dara Royer
Communications
Senior Directors
COMMUNICATIONS
Betty Chiu
Communications
Mary Crone
Event and Patient Liaison
C.J. Espinola
Communications Strategy
Jennifer Haslip
Public Relations
CORPORATE ALLIANCES
Lorene King
Corporate Marketing Services
Kristine Templin
Corporate Relations
GIFT PLANNING
Sue Harpole
Principal Gifts, Gift Planning
Calvin Purcell
Outsourced Operations
Regina Watson
Gift Planning Marketing
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
Kristen Hughes
Strategic Planning
HUMAN RESOURCES
Nila Carrington
Human Resources
FIELD OPERATIONS
Lisa Andreotta
Field Systems
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
SERVICES
Chris Dozier
IT Infrastructure & Support
Timothy Bayly
Regional Field Management
Ron Casabella
Volunteer Programs
Melissa Lessley
National Program Marketing
Mark Furr
IT Business Services
Mario Simmons
Application and Technical
Services
Keith Maples
Field Management
LEGAL
Steve Ebbers
Legal
Susan Sieja
Regional Field Management
Jackie Yokley
Corporate Compliance
Aleen Sirgany
Regional Field Management
NATIONAL DIRECT
MARKETING
Brian Cowart
Mail Acquistion and Donor
Retention
Cecilia Villa
Field Management
Teri Watson
Radio and Entertainment
Marketing
FINANCE
Kevin McNeese
Controller, Finance
Erika Kloehn
Acquisition and Fundraising
Programs, National Direct
Marketing
Lane McKinney
Production and Analysis,
National Direct Marketing
41
ALSAC Regional Offices
and Volunteer Service Centers
Regional Offices
Southern Region
Beth Perkins, Director
Alabama, Arkansas,
Mississippi, Tennessee
51 Germantown Ct.
Suite 309
Cordova, TN 38018
1-800-238-6030
Northwest Region
Evelyn Guerra, Director
Alaska, Colorado, Idaho,
Montana, Northern California,
Northern Nevada, Northern
Utah, Oregon, Washington,
Wyoming
1250 45th Str.
Suite 15
Emeryville, CA 94608
1-800-701-4443
Southeast Region
Elizabeth Stansbury, Director
Georgia, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Virgin Islands
6075 The Corners Pkwy., N.E.,
Suite 101
Norcross, GA 30092
1-800-654-8563
Central Region
Tom Desmond, Director
Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia
135 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.
Suite B
Louisville, KY 40202
1-800-545-1696
New England Region
Jill Workman, Director
Northern Connecticut,
Maine, Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, Rhode Island
One Bridge St,
Suite 102
Newton, MA 02458
1-800-341-5800
Mid-Atlantic Region
Tim Bayly, Senior Director
Delaware, Maryland, Southern
New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Virginia, Washington, D.C.
4600 N. Fairfax Dr.
Suite 102
Arlington, VA 22203
1-800-336-3083
Great Lakes Region
Carrie Denning, Director
Michigan, Ohio
1461 E. Twelve Mile Rd.
Madison Heights, MI 48071
1-800-942-5533
Southwest Region
Evelyn Hoelscher, Director
Louisiana, New Mexico, Texas
4324 N. Beltline Rd., Suite
C-206
Irving, TX 75038
1-800-531-5174
Pacific Coast Region
Maureen McKale, Director
Arizona, Southern California,
Hawaii, Southern Nevada,
Southern Utah
New York Region
12365 Lewis St.
Beth Desai, Director
Suite 101
Southern Connecticut,
Garden Grove, CA 92840
Northern New Jersey, New York, 1-800-227-6737
Vermont
14 Penn Plaza
Suite 1615
New York, NY 10122
1-800-526-9542
42
Midwest Region
Nichole Beal, Director
Iowa, Northern Illinois,
Minnesota, North Dakota, South
Dakota, Wisconsin
4619 Ravenswood, Ste. 302
Chicago, IL 60640
1-800-621-5359
Heartland Region
Theresa Denton, Director
Central and Southern Illinois
4722 N. Sheridan Rd.
Peoria, IL 61614
1-800-713-8223
Mid-America Region
Brian Doyle, Director
Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska,
Oklahoma
1830 Craig Park Ct.
Suite105
St. Louis, MO 63146
1-800-711-5549
Florida Region
Aleen Sirgany, Senior Director
Yvonne Meyerson, Director
Florida, Puerto Rico
5201 Blue Lagoon Dr.
Suite 650
Miami, FL 33126
1-800-278-3383
Volunteer Service Centers
Volunteer Service Center
Memphis
Amertice Allen, Director
5796 Shelby Oaks Dr.
Suite 6
Memphis, TN 38134
1-800-233-5833
Volunteer Service Center
New Albany
Ron Casabella, Senior Director
4347 Security Pkwy.
New Albany, IN 47150
1-800-842-5123
2008 Annual Report
ALSAC ®/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ®
ALSAC
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
1.800.877.5833
www.stjude.org
2008 Annual Report — ALSAC ®/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ®
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN 38105
901.595.3300
Finding cures. Saving children.TOGETHER