Spreading Love and Joy: The Heartwarming Tradition of Sending Valentine’s Day Cards to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital Patients
Valentine’s Day, a day dedicated to expressing love and affection, takes on a special meaning at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Established in 1962, this renowned institution has been instrumental in increasing the overall survival rate of childhood cancer from 20% to over 80%. As part of a heartwarming tradition, people from around the world are sending virtual Valentine’s Day cards to bring joy to the young patients at St. Jude’s.
The Power of Virtual Cards: In its 12th consecutive year, the Valentine’s Day card exchange at St. Jude’s allows individuals to send personalized virtual cards to patients. This initiative, which began with holiday cards in 2012, has evolved into a cherished tradition, with more than 7.3 million cards sent in the past 12 years. Patients at St. Jude’s can design their own virtual cards or receive ones with pre-written messages, spreading love and warmth even to those hospitalized on this special day.
Sending a virtual Valentine’s Day card to St. Jude’s patients is a simple yet impactful gesture. Anyone can participate by visiting the St. Jude website and selecting “Create a Card.” The website offers a variety of cards designed by St. Jude patients, featuring heartwarming messages in both English and Spanish. Participants can choose a pre-written message or compose their own, ensuring a personalized touch to each card.
Valentine’s Day at St. Jude’s is not just about cards; it’s also an opportunity to make a difference through donations. The hospital treats children with a range of illnesses, from immune system deficiencies to cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. With the average cost of pediatric cancer treatment reaching $425,000 and lasting up to three years, donations play a crucial role in supporting families during challenging times. The hospital accepts contributions on Valentine’s Day, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to provide care without expense to families.
St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital isn’t the only place celebrating Valentine’s Day in a unique way. Oakland International Airport, for instance, is spreading love to passengers with a visit from the Valley Humane Society’s Canine Comfort Pet-Assisted Therapy team. Five dogs, dressed in Valentine’s Day outfits, are bringing joy to East Bay travelers, complemented by airport employees distributing Valentine’s cards to families with children.
This Valentine’s Day, as people across the globe exchange tokens of love, the tradition of sending virtual cards to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital patients stands out as a testament to the power of compassion. With each card, individuals contribute to brightening the day of young patients and supporting a hospital that has played a vital role in advancing pediatric cancer research. In the spirit of love and giving, these initiatives showcase the profound impact a small act of kindness can have on those facing health challenges.