St. Jude and You

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Aj Vazquez
A group of 20 college men gathered outside wearing hoodies, jackets, and hats. One young man is on a bike.

When it comes to making an impact, few causes resonate as deeply as the fight against childhood cancer. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is at the forefront of this battle, ensuring that no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's inability to pay. Raising money is not just about providing funds for research; it's about giving hope to families during their darkest times. Stay tuned for more about the history of St. Jude, how I made a difference and most importantly, how YOU can make a difference.

St. Jude and TKE

As a proud member of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE), I can attest to our commitment to St. Jude as a philanthropic partner. We strive to ensure that families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, or housing—because we believe the only thing families should focus on is helping their children live. In 2019, TKE launched an ambitious campaign to raise $10 million over the next decade for St. Jude. I’m proud to share that we’ve already raised $3.3 million, and we’re on track to surpass our goal.

St. Jude and Me

Now that you know about St. Jude and TKE, let me share how we raise funds and create meaningful change. At Indiana University-Indianapolis, our TKE chapter has raised over $10,000 in the past year through various philanthropic events. Two of our biggest initiatives are the annual “Car Smash” and our 36-hour biking event, “Miles for Memphis.”

The Car Smash is a unique event where students can relieve stress by smashing a junk car—all while contributing to a great cause. The sight of a car in the middle of campus draws attention and curiosity, making it an engaging way for students to have fun and support St. Jude.

Miles for Memphis is our signature event, where fraternity members take turns biking around campus and downtown Indianapolis for 36 hours while camping overnight on campus. You might wonder, “Why 36 hours?” This duration represents the time it would take to bike from Indianapolis to St. Jude’s headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. Our commitment to cycling for 36 hours symbolizes our dedication to the children at St. Jude.

St. Jude and You

Raising money for St. Jude is more than a fundraising effort; it's about creating and sustaining that legacy of hope. Each contribution, no matter how small, plays a role in the fight against pediatric cancer. Together, we can help ensure that no child is left behind. If you are ready to make a difference, whether it’s hosting an event, starting a campaign, or simply spreading the word, please visit the St. Jude website to learn more about fundraising and how you can play a role.

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