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This past summer, Fredonia for St. Jude provided two students and one advisor with the opportunity to tour the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. For these three individuals, the trip to one of the world’s foremost pediatric cancer treatment and research facilities was life changing and unforgettable. While in Memphis, the group attended many educational and inspiring conferences, which underscored the mission of the hospital and helped them to think of new ways to fundraise on campus.

“It was heartwarming and amazing to see the hope, joy and true appreciation for life,” said Fredonia for St. Jude Advisor Jenn Wilkins. “I went into the weekend knowing I would be sad in learning what the children and their families are experiencing, but walking away with the intense level of inspiration and commitment was something I could not have imagined.”

While touring the hospital, the three Fredonians were impressed by the friendly and family like atmosphere. “One of the awesome things about this hospital is that its staff tries to make it as normal as possible for the patients,” said student Elizabeth Drescher. “Instead of treating the children like sick patients, they actually consider each other family.”

She was also impressed at how positively the patients are treated during their stay at the hospital and how the staff truly cares for each individual patient. During the trip, Elizabeth was able to talk to a former patient who had a positive experience at the hospital. "Doctors had to take care of me, but they didn't have to love me so much,” declared the former patient.

Since the chapter was founded, Fredonia for St. Jude has the annual opportunity to apply for a trip to the hospital to gain more information on St. Jude and all it does for children battling cancer.  Each day, it costs $1.8 million to keep St. Jude up and running.  Fredonia for St. Jude members help to keep those hospital doors open thanks to their donations and yearly fundraising events such as “Up ’til Dawn” and “Rock Out for Cancer.”

Fredonia for St. Jude meets every Wednesday at 8 p.m. in Room S-222 of the Williams Center. The group welcomes new members who are interested in helping in the fight against cancer.

To learn more, visit the chapter’s and pages, or contact Drescher at dres8614@fredonia.edu.