St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Michigan/NW Ohio Connection

01/17/2026

01/15/2026

Delta spends her childhood outdoors in nature. She loves running and catching frogs, baby chicks or bugs on her family’s rural land. She loves spending time with her older sister and her pets.

Delta was referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in December 2023 at the age of 3. So, her parents tried to explain it to her in terms she could understand.

“We told her that bad bugs are swimming around in her body, making her sick,” said her mom, Chelsie. “And this is why we’re here. St. Jude is going to get rid of these bugs.”

At St. Jude, Delta began a multi-year chemotherapy plan to induce remission of ALL. Delta’s treatment is based on the protocol developed for the Total 17 trial at St. Jude, which personalizes treatment based on analysis of the DNA in both the leukemia cells and healthy cells of each patient. The goal is to achieve
remission while reducing side effects.

Delta’s family has a sense of comfort, thanks to St. Jude. “They care about your
daughter, but they also care about you,” Chelsie said.

01/14/2026

Join the St. Jude Heroes Team! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Turn your miles into hope by running for the kids of St. Jude. When you sign up as a St. Jude Hero, you’re not just racing—you’re helping fund lifesaving research and treatment for children battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Find a race near you and start your journey today: stjude.org/get-involved/fitness-fundraisers/run.html

We’ll be with you every step of the way—fundraising support and a community that runs with purpose. 💛

Ready to make every mile matter?
👉 Sign up now and become a hero for the kids of St. Jude!

01/13/2026

🌟 Join Us at the St. Jude Detroit Gala! 🌟
We’re looking for passionate volunteers to help make this event unforgettable!
✨ Featured Role: Sweepstakes Volunteer
Perfect for those who love engaging with guests and driving fundraising efforts. Sign up here: https://volunteer.stjude.org/custom/515/opp_details/8154

Not your style? No problem! We have plenty of other opportunities to get involved: https://bit.ly/VolunteerDetroitGala

💛 Sign up today and help make an impact in the fight against childhood cancer!

01/08/2026

Phenix’s radiant smile and boundless energy, broken only by rare tears, charms his parents, grandparents, older brothers and sisters — and most strangers he meets.

“He steals every single heart he comes across,” his mom, Amber said.

His smile has continued to shine brightly most days — even after his brain tumor diagnosis at just 5 months old in September 2024 and the treatment that followed. He underwent brain surgery to remove some of the tumor in his home state of Michigan. Following the surgery, Phenix was diagnosed with infant-type hemispheric glioma (IHG), a rare and fast-growing high-grade brain tumor that primarily affects children under the age of one. He was later referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® in Memphis, Tennessee.

St. Jude provides the highest quality of care for patients with IHG by bringing together medical experts and specially trained staff to care for such a rare patient population who are incredibly young and fragile. Doctors at St. Jude have extensive experience in treating this rare tumor type.

“When we got to St. Jude, there were more answers here. It was a lot to go through as far as him being a baby, but it was still a lot less complicated than what it could have been,” Amber recalled. “They take care of you, and they make sure it’s as easy as possible for you.”

Phenix’s St. Jude treatment included chemotherapy and a second brain surgery to attempt to reduce the residual tumor. Phenix returned home early in 2025 in time to celebrate his first birthday.

He returns to St. Jude for regular checkups.

01/06/2026

✨Help us bring the magic to life at our St. Jude Detroit Gala on January 31st! ✨
We’re looking for passionate, energetic individuals to join us behind the scenes and make this night unforgettable. There’s a role for everyone and you’ll get a front-row seat to the mission moments that make it all worthwhile.
📅 Date: January 31, 2026
📍 Location: The Department at The Hudson Building
💫 Perks: Exclusive behind-the-scenes access, community impact, and lots of fun!
🔗 Sign up to volunteer: https://volunteer.stjude.org/custom/515/organization_details/6222
Let’s make magic—together. 💖

01/01/2026

✨ Cheers to a Bright New Year! ✨
As we welcome 2026, let’s celebrate new beginnings, fresh opportunities, and the hope that shines ahead. Thank you for supporting the journey of our St. Jude families. Your support makes anything possible. Wishing you a year filled with joy, health, and endless possibilities! 🌟

Artwork by St. Jude patient Roman

12/27/2025

🌟High School Leaders ,Registration is closing soon! 🌟
Are you ready to lead, serve, and make a real impact?
Join the St. Jude Leadership Society (SJLS), a national community of passionate high school students who are changing the world while supporting the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
💥 Why Join SJLS?
✔ Build leadership skills
✔ Make lifelong connections
✔ Support kids fighting cancer and other life-threatening diseases
📝 How to Apply:
1️⃣ Go to stjude.org/sjls and click “Apply Now”
2️⃣ Choose your local cohort
3️⃣ Keep an eye on your inbox — your cohort lead will reach out with next steps!
✨ Be part of something bigger. Start your leadership journey today!

The St. Jude Leadership Society is a unique philanthropic program for high school students. Attendees can develop as leaders and support the work of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

12/25/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas! 🎄
This holiday season, we celebrate the joy and hope your generosity brings to children and families everywhere. Because of you, no family ever receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food.

Your support is more than a present. It’s a gift that lasts a lifetime, helping children live their healthiest futures. Thank you for making miracles possible. Wishing you peace, happiness, and a season filled with light. ❤️💛

Artwork by St. Jude patient Ethan

12/23/2025

✨Help us bring the magic to life at our St. Jude Detroit Gala on January 31st! ✨

We’re looking for passionate, energetic individuals to join us behind the scenes and make this night unforgettable. There’s a role for everyone and you’ll get a front-row seat to the mission moments that make it all worthwhile.

📅 Date: January 31, 2026
📍 Location: The Department at The Hudson Building
💫 Perks: Exclusive behind-the-scenes access, community impact, and lots of fun!
🔗 Sign up to volunteer: https://volunteer.stjude.org/custom/515/organization_details/6222
Let’s make magic—together. 💖

12/22/2025

✨ As Hanukkah comes to a close at sundown tonight, its light continues to shine! ✨
Let’s carry forward the warmth, hope, and joy of these eight beautiful nights into the days ahead. Wishing everyone peace, love, and light as we move into the new year! 🕎💙