The St. Jude Story
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
More than 70 years ago, Danny Thomas, then a struggling young entertainer, prayed to Saint Jude Thaddeus, “show me my way in life, and I will build you a shrine." In the years that followed, Danny’s career flourished, and that promise was honored when he opened St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in 1962.
Today, St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. 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.
Jim and Trudy Maloof St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois
St. Jude Affiliate Clinic
530 NE Glen Oak Ave.
Peoria, IL 61637
Phone:
(309) 624-4945
Fax: (309) 624-9848
Jim Maloof, a prominent Peoria businessman, was invited to a fundraising event in Chicago where Danny Thomas was speaking to raise funds for a children’s research hospital. Maloof, who later became the mayor of Peoria, became fast friends with Thomas and shared his vision to eradicate childhood cancer. Maloof began fundraising in the Peoria area, proving to Thomas that Peoria could financially support an affiliate of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. After an incredibly successful fundraising campaign, the St. Jude Affiliate Clinic in Peoria was opened in 1972 just 10 years after St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital opened its doors in Memphis. It was the first domestic affiliate for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The St. Jude Affiliate Clinic is located on the campus of OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. The clinic offers full-time coverage by a team of pediatric hematologist/oncologists and a dedicated nursing staff. In addition, the clinic provides child life and support services for patients and families. Through the cooperative efforts of OSF Children’s Hospital, the treatment team at the St. Jude Affiliate Clinic provides optimal care, assuring that children receive the help they need to fight their illnesses. In many cases, the intensive therapy needed to successfully treat a child is received right here at home in Peoria.