St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Supporting Kids, Families and the Search for a Cure
For more than a decade, Target has proudly supported the lifesaving work of St. Jude. Through research and treatment of deadly children’s diseases, this unique hospital has has helped increase the survival rate for the most common childhood cancer (ALL) from 4% to 94% since 1962. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where no family ever pays for care.
Our goal is to significantly improve the lives of St. Jude patients and their families. As part of that commitment, we established The St. Jude Target House in 1999 for long-term patients and their families. We coordinate many special events, including festive quarterly carnivals on the St. Jude campus. To facilitate patients’ educational growth while they’re in treatment, we developed the St. Jude School Program Presented by Target.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Target House
1,500 families
have stayed at Target House
Target House families have come from
42 states
36 countries
Target House offers
98 fully equipped apartments
Meet the Kids
Here are just a few of the 1,500 remarkable kids who have called Target House home.
Story from the Kids
Louis' Story
After showing some unusual symptoms leading up to his first birthday—he was still unable to walk and appeared “spacey” even when well rested—Louis was given a CT scan. The scan revealed he had a brain tumor called medulloblastoma. His first operation removed all but a small portion of the tumor. Shortly thereafter, Louis was transferred to St. Jude, where surgeons removed the last bit of tumor. Three rounds of chemotherapy and a series of radiation treatments later, Louis was pronounced cancer-free.
Jazmine's Story
In May 2004, Jazmine was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood cancer. ALL generally has promising cure rates, but Jazmine’s form of ALL was resistant to treatment. In October 2004, she suffered a relapse during chemotherapy and underwent a bone marrow transplant (with cells from her father) at St. Jude two months later. The transplant was a success. She was released on January, 1, 2005, and has been cancer-free ever since.
Darcy's Story
In late 2008, Darcy was found to suffer from a deadly brain tumor known as ATRT. Darcy underwent a 10-hour surgery to remove the tumor, and her parents started to research the best options for her continuing care. That led them to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. At St. Jude, Darcy received four courses of chemotherapy and 31 radiation treatments. Darcy has finished treatment, and is now home with her family.
Michael's Story
Michael was one of the original Target House residents. While a student at the University of Virginia, he visited the campus clinic with flu-like symptoms. Blood tests revealed he had a form of leukemia, and Michael was referred to St. Jude immediately. While at Target House, he designed a coloring book about his home away from home. Michael completed two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy at St. Jude. Happily, his cancer has been in remission for over ten years. Michael is currently pursuing his PhD.
Lindsay's Story
Lindsay came to St. Jude in May 1999, when, as an eighth grader, she was diagnosed with a very rare form of pelvic cancer. She underwent surgery to remove the tumor, followed by a course of radiation and chemotherapy that lasted six weeks. Lindsay’s mother used to cook for all the kids during their stay at Target House, while Lindsay made friends and enjoyed writing, singing and acting. Lindsay's family is still actively involved in raising funds to cover treatment costs for kids at St. Jude.
Mia's Story
One evening in May 2008, Mia’s father noticed that one of her eyes was bulging slightly. A CT scan revealed an aggressive soft-tissue tumor, called a rhabdomyosarcoma, behind her eye. Mia was quickly referred to St. Jude, where she underwent chemotherapy and radiation. Her most recent MRI showed no signs of the tumor. Mia loves dance, especially tap and ballet.
Target House
When children require long-term care at St. Jude, families must often spend many months away from home. Target House was created to help ease that burden by providing free, fully equipped apartments to patients and their families.
Since we opened our doors in 1999, Target team members and our corporate and celebrity partners have worked together to make Target House a special experience for kids. Here are a few highlights.
The House That’s a Home
Target House apartments feature two bedrooms, a kitchen, bath and living room, all fully furnished. Each month, we host two movie nights and one bingo night for families to enjoy together. There are family gathering rooms, playrooms, laundry rooms, plus a garden courtyard designed by Sean Conway. Twice a month, the on-site salon offers free haircuts and grooming to families.
Shaun White Great Room
Olympic gold medalist Shaun White and his brother, Jesse, designed this space for residents to escape and have some fun. The 70’s rock ‘n’ roll-themed room includes a two-sided flat-screen television, gaming systems, foosball and a 2½-person chair so that kids can sit together and relax.
Amy Grant Music Room
A long-time supporter of Target House, GRAMMY®-award winner Amy Grant designed this space to make music available every day to residents. Recently, Target designers worked with Ms. Grant to add extra southern warmth and style. The room now includes a custom 22-foot sofa, music stands with built-in lamps and brand new musical instruments, including guitars and bongo drums.
Paisley Lodge
Inspired by Brad Paisley’s own art, music and down-home country style, this common area includes a Fender® guitar chandelier, pool table, game table, horse saddle stools and a gaming alcove. Worn wood, wrought iron, leather and warm colors create a cozy, welcoming space for residents.
Jonas Brothers Karaoke Stage
For kids that love the spotlight, GRAMMY®-nominated artists the Jonas Brothers designed a fully equipped karaoke space in the dining room. A brightly colored tiled stage, lights and top-of-the-line karaoke system give kids a great place to shine.
Scott Hamilton Arts & Crafts Room
Arts and crafts are a much-appreciated form of therapy for families at Target House. Here they can paint, scrapbook or try something completely new at the spacious worktables, and display their masterpieces when they’ve finished. Scott’s wife, Tracy, regularly hosts art activities in the room.
The Elephant Wall
A recurring theme found throughout Target House is the elephant. A symbol of luck in many cultures, elephants are known for bonding together in loving families and living long lives. The Elephant Wall features original elephant drawings by Oprah Winfrey, Justin Timberlake, Maya Angelou, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, Tony Hawk, and dozens of other celebrities, athletes and designers.