Why Danny Thomas Built St. Jude

Danny Thomas was a young, down-on-his-luck actor when he prayed to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless causes, for help to support his family. He vowed, “Show me my way in life, and I will build you a shrine.”

After finding success, Danny fulfilled his promise, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital opened its doors on Feb. 4, 1962 in the belief that, “No child should die in the dawn in life.”

The Story of Danny Thomas and His Legacy

President Reagan Presenting the Congressional Medal to Danny Thomas on April 16, 1985