Loraine Smith (mother of GRAMMY®-award winning singer Ne-Yo), Aliyah “Mama Pain” Najm (mother of rap artist T-Pain) and Jacida Carter (mother of rap artist Lil Wayne) all attending the St. Jude Soul Celebration Gala which was hosted by Actress Elise Neal and CNN anchor Fredricka Whitfield.
Events like the St. Jude Soul Celebration Gala are important to St. Jude because the hospital relies primarily on the public’s generosity to support its lifesaving mission. It costs $1.7 million to operate the hospital every day and more than 75 percent of that funding comes from the public. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance and no child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay. It is because of events like this that families like Felicia and Jayla can continue to receive the lifesaving treatment they need to live happy, healthy lives.
Additionally, events like the St. Jude Soul Celebration Gala help inform communities that such a place exists so that if they are ever in a situation or know someone who needs treatment for their child, they can be comforted and know there is a place to go. St. Jude offers hope to families going through a very difficult time and should a patient need to stay for treatment; the hospital also covers the cost of transportation, food and lodging for the patient, parent or guardian.
People in the Atlanta area can still get involved. For just $20 a month, you can become a Partner in Hope® by calling the toll free number, 1-800-4STJUDE (1-800-478-5833), or visiting www.stjude.org.
