St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital opened in 1962 and was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas. Its mission is to find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. St. Jude has treated children from all 50 states and from around the world. The mission of ALSAC/St. Jude is to raise awareness and funds to support the life saving efforts being done at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the world's premiere research and treatment center for children with catastrophic illnesses.