Big Boy Chill Details His Trip to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

I flew out to Memphis, Tennessee from October 12-14, to attend St. Jude's Radio Cares "A Celebration of Hope" event to learn about all of the great things the hospital does to help their young patients who suffer from an array of diseases, like cancer, sickle cell anemia, and more. Families come from around the world to seek treatment from St. Jude as it leads the world in "understanding", "treating", and "defeating childhood cancer and other life-threatening illnesses" that affect children.

One of the fastest growing radiothon programs is Radio Cares for St. Jude Kids. Focusing on station formats such as Gospel and Urban Contemporary, Radio Cares for St. Jude Kids is designed to increase the awareness and support of St. Jude in the African-American community. - St. Jude

It was three wonderful days packed with information on the diseases St. Jude treats, including survivor stories, medical achievements, and on occasion a moment to remember a patient who lost the battle with their disease. I got to attend seminars and luncheons, and share great food with a room packed full of media professionals from across the country. Memphis former mayor AC Wharton was on hand to welcome all of the visitors, with journalist Roland Martin hosting "A Celebration of Hope" with appearances from Leela James, Todd Dulaney, Vivian Green, Kwame, and more.

Everyone that I encountered at St. Jude had the most positive attitude. They were not only hospitable, but they also made us feel like a part of the family and made sure that we understood all of the great lengths the hospital performs to ensure the best care for each of their individual patients. Though many of the children who visit the hospital for health care suffer similar ailments, their conditions often require different forms of research and treatment that their highly experienced team of doctors from around the world go above and beyond to provide.

After my visit to the St. Jude campus, I assure you not only does it not look like a hospital, but it also doesn't smell like a hospital, and with it's vibrantly painted hallways, it does not look like a hospital. St. Jude operates like a smaller city inside a city. St. Jude feels like home.

So if you ever get the chance to visit Memphis, I highly suggest a tour of the St. Jude campus to gain a better understanding of all of the great things they do through research to treat their young patients and their families. I could tell you all about it, but experiencing it for yourself if second to none.

The most amazing thing about St. Jude is that the families never receive a bill. With that said, I'm forever a supporter and look forward to more visits to Memphis, and wherever I can be of help to raise money to fund the St. Jude Children's Research Hosptial.