On day 1 of the #Blogger19 Reunion, we were taken on a tour of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This hospital is a beautifully designed, state of the art facility that is surprisingly cheerful and full of smiles- not what you'd expect from any hospital, much less one that treats such serious illnesses in children...and this is only one aspect of St. Jude that makes this hospital an exceptional facility on every level!
Morning breakfast and Introduction to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Founder Danny Thomas
Hospitals are often associated with white, sterile environments, austere design, and expensive bills, but St. Jude breaks these assumptions. No one leaves St. Jude with an astronomical bill- or a bill of any kind. Treatment, whether outpatient or inpatient, and all other expenses associated with treatment are covered entirely by private and corporate donations.
As you might expect, this adds up to a rather hefty operating cost for the hospital- $1.8 million per day. While a portion of these costs are covered by government grants, the vast majority of it comes from donations from companies like Brizo and individuals like you and me. In addition, because St. Jude is a research hospital, they have been instrumental in the astronomical increase in childhood cancer survival rates- now 80-94% instead of the 20% from the hospital's inception in 1962.
The Danny Thomas Research Center displays flags honoring contributing researchers from around the world.
In addition to the difference the hospital makes in its daily operation, St. Jude has also broken boundaries in its design. They place significant value on the input and comfort of the patients and their families. Multiple design themes are most important throughout this facility. The second floor themes range from the zoo to fairytale and travel...while the fourth floor is all recreational themed - which include swimming, track and hot air ballooning. Waiting rooms are designed to be private and quiet, inpatient suites are sound-proofed, and the entire facility is colorfully and very thoughtfully decorated with their patients in mind.
Image Via Haizlip Studio
Image Via Haizlip Studio
Patient artwork is also on display expressing their courage and determination through the personal journeys and challenges they face.
At the end of our tour, we were able to spend some time with these beautiful children working on some fun art activities...and here is a doll house that my little friend decorated.
Touring St. Jude Children's Research Hospital was beyond impressive. This is an exceptional and highly specialized cancer facility with an infrastructure that rivals a small city! To help this groundbreaking hospital continue their important work, make a donation today!