The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family's ability to pay. Families never receive a bill for treatment, lodging, travel, or food.
Since opening its doors in 1962, St. Jude has led the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
About St. Jude Patient Bridget
“I thank God every day that she got kicked at soccer practice, because had she not, I don’t know when we would have found the cancer,” said Bridget’s mom, Jamie.
But what turned out to be a fortunate mishap still did not come in time to save Bridget’s foot. Doctors at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.® determined that the bone cancer in her right tibia, osteosarcoma, had crossed the growth plate, and an amputation would be necessary to her treatment. Before the amputation, St. Jude Child Life Specialists came to Bridget’s room to help her make keepsakes: casting a mold of her foot, making impressions of her toes. Bridget also received chemotherapy.
The name Bridget means “strength,” and that is something she grew into during cancer treatment. Jamie feels a bittersweet pride at how well Bridget handled it all.
These days, Bridget is cancer-free, and thanks to a prosthesis and her own determination, she’s back to sports – playing basketball, golf, and more. A true competitor, Bridget said, “If you can train to win, you can teach yourself to never give up. I may not always win everything, but I never give up.”
Bridget's grandparents, George and Mary Schneider are the founders of the St. Jude New Jersey Golf Classic and Cocktail Party, and host this event in her honor.
