Hope Starts Here

October 2026 Issue

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is recognized worldwide for providing life-saving treatment, free of charge, to children diagnosed with cancer and other serious illnesses. Their care extends beyond medical treatment, offering comprehensive support to families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. St. Jude treats patients from around the world, including many from the Carolinas.

 In December 2017, Lauren and Joel’s North Carolina family was especially busy. Already the parents of two young children, they were expecting twins to arrive right around the same time as that most chaotic of holidays: Christmas. To top it off, they were back and forth to the doctor with their two-year-old son Jennings, who just could not seem to get well. Joel was standing in line to board a plane for business travel when Lauren called him in tears. Suddenly, all the chaos boiled down to one emergency: Jennings had cancer. 

Jennings began treatment at a local hospital, but when chemotherapy couldn’t bring his acute myeloid leukemia into remission, he was referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. There, he received two bone marrow transplants—the first a loving gift from his big sister Caroline, which kept him healthy for more than two years, and the second from his dad. “I’m just so floored by all St. Jude did for Jennings,” Lauren said. “They care, and they have people for every facet of his life and care.”

During Jennings’s treatment, Caroline organized an art sale for St. Jude, rallying neighborhood children and raising more than $6,000. His sisters have continued to use their creativity to honor their brother.

Today, Jennings is 11 and thriving! He enjoys every aspect of baseball—trading cards, playing with friends, and celebrating with his team that recently won the championship trophy.

Jennings’ story reflects the impact of research, innovation, and compassionate care made possible through the support of St. Jude donors and partners. 
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One Event. Two Inspiring Days.  |  November 6-7

Locally, supporters continue to make a difference through fundraising events, including one on Hilton Head Island to benefit St. Jude. The third annual “Flex Fore St. Jude” kicks off Friday, November 6, with a formal gala at the Sonesta Resort in Shipyard. The evening celebration will feature cocktails, dinner, entertainment, dancing, and a live auction.

On Saturday, November 7, the event continues with an 18-hole golf scramble at the Country Club of Hilton Head, complete with golf games, a silent auction, lunch, and a hole-in-one contest.  Every dollar raised helps ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food, so families can focus on helping their child live.

Purchase Tickets online or Donate: www.StJude.org/FlexFore