Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1112 Memphis, TN CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED PromiseSummer 2004

332 N. Lauderdale St. Memphis, Tennessee 38105-2794 April Johnson

Public Information: 1-866-2STJUDE, ext. 3306 Donations: 1-800-822-6344 One Patient, Visit our Web site at www.stjude.org. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Three Lives American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities and ALSAC are registered trademarks. Page 12 Promise is a quarterly publication of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was founded by the late Department of Public Relations St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 332 N. Lauderdale St. PromiseA publication of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Summer 2004 entertainer Danny Thomas. It opened February 4, 1962. The institution was created because Memphis, Tennessee 38105

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s of a promise Danny made during the depression era to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint mission is to find cures for children with Features catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. 4 Command Performance of the hopeless. The show must go on

Hospital Director Arthur W. Nienhuis, MD 7 Service over Self ALSAC National Executive Director A continuing commitment “Show me my way in life,” Danny prayed. In return, Danny promised to build St. Jude Richard C. Shadyac ALSAC/St. Jude 8 Spa Kids Senior Vice President of Thaddeus a shrine. That shrine became a world-class research institution that treats Massage and humor Communications and Public Relations children regardless of race, color, creed or their ability to pay. This remarkable event also Jerry Chipman 12 One Patient, Three Lives Director of Public Relations April Johnson’s Faith and Miracle inspired the name of this magazine, Judith W. Black ALSAC Vice President of Communications 16 A Peek Under the Hood George Shadroui Scientists study molecular motors Promise. Publications Manager and Editor Elizabeth Jane Walker 18 On the Road to Peoria Art Director Running for a reason Jessica W. Anderson Photo Editor Jere Parobek 21 Parkinson’s Progress Research for both kids and adults Photographers Seth Dixon Karen Pulfer Focht Laura Hajar Ann-Margaret Hedges John Zacher Contributing Writers Highlights Tanuja Coletta Joe Hanna 2 Achievements and Events Laura Hajar Alicia H. Matthews Victoria Tilney McDonough Perspective Carrie L. Strehlau Guest Author 24 Amber Valletta Amber Valletta A Call to Action Editorial Advisory Board Lisa Baker Bonnie Cameron Leslie Davidson Pat Flynn, MD Mark Hendricks Marc Kusinitz, PhD Phil McCarty St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is an equal-opportunity employer. For inquiries about stories Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, MD in this publication, call the Public Relations department at (901) 495-2125 or e-mail Penny Tramontozzi [email protected]. Visit our Web site at www.stjude.org. Articles and photos may be St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee David Tucker reprinted with permission. ©2004. Sally Wiard John Zacher On the cover: April Johnson with daughters Faith (on left) and Miracle (see article, page 12). Photo by Laura Hajar. Order from disorder A fresh look permit scientists either to restore complex St. Jude investigators have demon- St. Jude scientists have discovered that protein structures that are missing in cer- strated for the first time that—contrary a tumor-suppressor protein called Rb is tain cells or make multiple proteins that Highlights to the assumption that proteins must required for proper retinal development in act together as potent drugs against can- maintain a rigid structure in order to laboratory models. This is a major step cer and other diseases. perform an assigned task—many toward understanding why some children Dario Vignali, PhD, of St. Jude proteins exploit disorderliness in their develop the devastating eye cancer called Immunology is senior author of a report A missing link structure to perform various jobs. The retinoblastoma. The discovery should on this work, which appears in the May Researchers at St. Jude and Mayo research findings appeared in the eventually help scientists design a better 2004 issue of Nature Biotechnology. Clinic have discovered that inactivation of April 2004 Nature Structural and treatment for this disease. the CBP gene in certain immature white Molecular Biology. The St. Jude team showed that Rb blood cells causes lymphoma in lab- The St. Jude finding explains how limits growth of immature retinal cells Rising rates oratory models. The cancer is accompa- many proteins can adapt their structures so the retina develops to a normal size. The cure rate for pediatric acute nied by changes in the expression of spe- to the needs of the moment, binding to The Rb protein also prompts specific lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) might cific genes associated with development different molecules depending on the job cells to develop into light-sensitive cells continue to rise with improved use of of the disease. at hand. called rods. conventional therapies. But even more “One finding that was particularly sur- “The potential importance of disorder “What we’re learning could eventually effective and less toxic therapies based prising was the specific effect the loss of in the function of some proteins has been help us to block the molecular signals on genetic and pharmacogenetic studies CBP had,” said article co-author Paul discussed by researchers for several that trigger retinoblastoma in children,” may one day push the success rate close Brindle, PhD, of St. Jude Biochemistry. years,” said Richard Kriwacki, PhD, of said Michael Dyer, PhD, of St. Jude to 100 percent, according to an article “It is commonly believed that CBP is St. Jude Structural Biology, the report’s Neurobiology, senior author of a published by Ching-Hon Pui, MD, involved in the control of many genes. senior author. “But until now no one February 2004 Nature Genetics article Leukemia/ Lymphoma division Yet the absence of CBP appears to pro- had actually demonstrated how such about this research. director; Mary Relling, PharmD, mote lymphoma by cooperating with a flexibility allows a protein to interact Pharmaceutical Sciences chair; and narrow set of dysregulated genes.” with different molecules. We’ve taken a James Downing, MD, Pathology chair. Another unexpected finding was the big step in understanding the subtle Tricks of the trade The article appeared in the April lack of association between the loss of details of a critical biochemical process A genetic trick that viruses use to 2004 edition of the New England CBP function and a gene called p53. CBP St. Jude patient David Moore and Debbie Crom, RN, PhD, of the After Completion of Therapy in the life of the cell.” replicate themselves has been adapted for Journal of Medicine. is known to help activate p53, but the loss (ACT) Clinic, discuss the importance of promoting strong bones after cancer therapy. Their dis- To view an online movie illustrating the laboratory to build complex protein The researchers based their pre- of CBP in white blood cells triggered can- cussion occurred at the Eighth Annual St. Jude Cancer Survivor’s Day conference, which also the movement of a protein, visit structures required by immune system diction on a review of leukemic cell cer even though p53 activity appeared marked the 20th anniversary of the ACT Clinic. Although Crom dressed as a skeleton to make www.stjuderesearch.org/data/ cells, according to St. Jude investigators. genetic abnormalities and host normal learning about bones fun, she experienced many poignant moments during the conference. “It normal. The findings were published in is very moving to have survivors say, ‘Do you remember me?’ and to be able to respond, ‘We not kriwackilab/p27.html. The approach could also be used to cell genetic characteristics. The genetic Cancer Cell, February 2004. only remember you; we hold you in our hearts and we are dedicated to you having as healthy a develop new gene approach to ALL treatment increases future as possible,” Crom says. therapy vectors in physicians’ ability to identify which cases when cells gene mutations are linked to responsive- The wizardry of Ozz must be modified to ness to anti-leukemic drugs. Clinical Research conducted by St. Jude scien- could alter the normal expression of Ozz tion and analyzed. The findings con- make high levels of trials are underway to test the safety and tists may help uncover the genetic cause and could cause the muscle problems of firmed that samples shipped from different proteins. A efficacy of drugs targeting a variety of of certain muscle diseases that occur for children with galactosialidosis. institutions in the United States and vector is a DNA gene mutations. unknown reasons in children. d’Azzo, who holds the Jewelers Australia can be analyzed at St. Jude for molecule used to St. Jude researchers are also conduct- A team led by Alessandra d’Azzo, Charity Fund Endowed Chair in Genetics genetic abnormalities rapidly enough to ferry specific genes ing Phase I clinical trials with investiga- PhD, of St. Jude Genetics and Tumor and Gene Therapy, was senior author of a provide physicians with information into cells in order to tional drugs to treat cases of ALL that Cell Biology found that a novel protein, report on the findings, which appeared in to guide their treatment decisions. give those cells the have resisted previous therapies. Ozz, directs the destruction of a the February 2004 Developmental Cell. The study also demonstrated that by ability to make par- structural protein in muscle that helps detecting the presence of a protein ticular proteins. organize and stabilize muscle growth. called ERBB2 in tumor samples, The achievement The researchers also discovered the Brain cancer progress doctors might be able to predict which gives researchers a These news items reflect only a Ozz gene overlaps another gene, which Completion of a pilot study brings children with medulloblastoma will way to study the codes for an enzyme called protective researchers closer to an international clini- require more intensive treatment. Marlo Thomas, St. Jude National Outreach director, and Joe Mirro roles of complex handful of the lifesaving projects protein/cathepsin A or PPCA. This cal trial aimed at improving guidelines for A report on this study, led by Jr., MD, the hospital’s chief medical officer, appeared before Congress proteins in living occurring at St. Jude Children’s enzyme is deficient in the metabolic treatment of medulloblastoma, a common Richard Gilbertson, MD, PhD, of in April to discuss the need for more funding for pediatric brain tumor cells and to produce research and treatment. Mirro also talked about the hospital’s efforts Research Hospital. For informa- disease galactosialidosis. type of childhood brain cancer. Developmental Neurobiology and therapeutically use- toward individualized treatment. Thomas and Mirro were joined by tion about other recent discover- The Ozz and PPCA genes share a The study is the first to demonstrate Amar Gajjar, MD, of Hematology- ful amounts of multi- Thomas’ husband, Phil Donahue (pictured in background), ALSAC ies, visit our Web site at genetic “on-switch” that controls their that medulloblastoma samples can be rap- Oncology, appeared in the March 2004 National Executive Director Richard Shadyac and two St. Jude brain ple proteins. The expression; thus mutations in PPCA idly delivered to a central research institu- Journal of Clinical Oncology. tumor patients and their families. new technique would www.stjude.org/media.

2 Promise / Summer 2004 Summer 2004 / Promise 3 The night they found out, Lindsay wanted to sleep in her takes a minute then keeps going. She doesn’t let anything get mother’s bed. her down.” “In the dark, she said, ‘Mama, can I talk to you?’ She said The team traveled to Orlando, Florida, and won fourth she was worried that she wouldn’t be able to swim or water place in the competition. ski or be her normal self with the Hickman line,” says Carla. While on that trip, both Lindsay and her friends realized A Hickman line is a tube that is inserted into a major blood that a cancer diagnosis shouldn’t set her apart. “I think vessel through the chest. St. Jude patients receive chemothera- Lindsay really accepted her cancer and everything that comes py and other drugs through this line, which eliminates the with it that first night in Orlando,” says her mother. “Her need for repeated needle sticks. friends saw her Hickman line, saw me flushing it, and that “With no hair,” Lindsay whispered to her mother, “I’m was that. It was no big deal. Lindsay’s teammates—and worried boys won’t like me.” Carla told Lindsay that she was Lindsay, herself—realized that even with the line, even with- Command beautiful—inside and out. out her own hair, she is still Lindsay.” “That night was the only time I’ve seen her cry since we found out,” Carla says. Performance One step at a time For some patients and families at St. Jude, traversing Keep moving between two worlds—their “old” world and that of St. Jude— Lindsay started 48 weeks of chemotherapy in January. She can feel a bit like stepping back and forth through Alice’s For Lindsay Harwell, the show must go on. Dance and theater has felt tired but hasn’t been sick from the drugs. But even looking glass. But for Lindsay, life still has a keen sense of sickness wouldn’t have stopped the determined sophomore normalcy. She’s been lucky, she admits, that she’s been able to activities help her concentrate on a life beyond cancer. from competing in the Universal Dance Association National continue with most of her activities and that St. Jude has Championships. “We were practicing hard after the holidays in accommodated her schedule. As she told a television reporter, preparation for Nationals at the end of January,” says Robin “Everything happens for a reason. You can’t change the past; Crane, dance sponsor for Lindsay’s high school team. “These you can only make the future better. I’m just taking one day at By Victoria Tilney McDonough kids have known each other for several years and are very a time.” close. They’ve been supportive of Lindsay. She’s been teach- Lindsay’s friends, family and community have helped her ing them a life lesson. Even when she’s tired or feels faint, she maintain as normal a life as possible. They have also made her

hen Lindsay Harwell steps on a stage to perform, she loses herself—in the dance, the song, the words. Although she is a private person, something SETH DIXON about performing sets her free. Having started dance at age 2, Lindsay loves to move her limbs to Wmusic and to the sound of her own spirit. “I like to get up and show everyone what I can do, to do my best,” the 16-year-old says. “I like hip- hop the most. It’s flowy; you just have to go with it.” These days, Lindsay’s biggest challenges are no longer strained muscles or tough dance routines. These days, Lindsay knows how lucky she is to dance, to have friends and to have her family close. In December 2003, she found that her sore leg was not the result of a pulled ligament but of a tumor the size of a grapefruit lodged near her right hip. She had osteosarcoma, the most common type of bone cancer in children and adolescents. “Lindsay has always had a high tolerance for pain,” explains her mother, Carla. “So when she continued to com- plain about her leg and then could barely walk at all, I knew it was serious. A mother just knows these things.” Because the pain in her leg intensified around Christmas 2003, it took several weeks to get answers. “We had bone scans and consultations, but we never heard back for sure. It was probably an infection, the doctors told us,” says Carla. “Everyone was out for the hol- Whether she’s waving pom pons or playing a nun in The Sound of Music, idays. The waiting, for us, was excruciating. When we finally got a call, Lindsay Harwell (far right) is determined to continue doing the things she they told me to come with Lindsay and Tony, my husband. That’s when I loves while undergoing treatment for osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. “Everything happens for a reason,” she says. “You can’t change the past; knew. Why else would they have insisted that Tony come, too? I froze. It you can only make the future better. I’m just taking one day at a time.” all felt like a dream.”

Summer 2004 / Promise 5 realize how loved and supported she is. Her dance squad Carla thinks Lindsay is a great deal like her own mother. raised $1,600 for a wig to match her cornsilk-blond hair. The “My mother has always been my rock,” she says. “I can cry over football team presented her with a huge card and a big stuffed with her. She helps me see more clearly when I need to. Jaguar, their mascot. “Who would’ve thought those muscle Lindsay is a lot like her. They’re always looking out for oth- boys could be so sensitive?” Carla laughs. ers. They’re as close to angels as can be. I have been so Students and faculty at the school where Lindsay’s grand- impressed with how strong Lindsay’s been through all of this. mother teaches donated money from their annual fund-raiser She holds me up sometimes, saying, ‘Mama, don’t worry. You to Lindsay. “They gave us part of the hope chain created from worry too much. It’s going to be okay.’” Self the fund-raiser,” Carla says. Each paper link in the chain cost SERVICE five cents. The more paper links, the more money raised. This year’s chain snaked from classroom to classroom, down corri- Looking forward dors, into the lunchroom and down stairwells. Today is the day after Lindsay’s sweet sixteenth birthday Mom continues her “The section they gave Lindsay was so long we had to party. She is starting 31 days of radiation on top of what’s hang it in the garage!” remaining of her chemotherapy regimen. The tumor has daughter’s battle shrunk to less than half its original size, and the Harwells hope that these treatments will do it—that surgery won’t be against cancer by Stepping in character necessary since the tumor is so close to her hip bones and Last summer, before Lindsay knew her life would change, ovaries. Waiting for their appointment, mother and daughter raising funds for she auditioned at her town’s local community theater for The feel tired from last night’s festivities. Sound of Music. In early April, she donned a habit and “We were still up celebrating at 3 a.m.,” says Lindsay, who St. Jude. stepped on stage for several weeks to play one of the nuns. shows a picture of a three-layer cake that a family friend made Like dance, singing and acting is a release for her. for the occasion. When asked if she has a birthday wish, she “I started taking voice lessons a few years ago and really answers quietly, “I wish I could be cured.” All Shirley Castell has to do is think of her daughter, and she is reminded of why she made the love it. My older sister took them first; I always want to commitment to help the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In December 1969, Shirley do what she does,” she says. “My sister has more of an found out that her 16-year-old daughter, Janet Castell, had leukemia. Not long after receiving this life- opera voice. I have more of a country singer voice.” changing news, Shirley learned about St. Jude, and thus began her mission to support the hospital. Lindsay met several country stars during Country Cares Janet’s particular form of leukemia was not being treated at St. Jude, so she was unable to go to for St. Jude Kids¨, which inspired her to practice more Memphis for treatment. Nevertheless, Shirley decided to help other children at the hospital who were seriously.

PHOTOS BY SETH DIXON suffering from cancer. In 1970, she and her daughter held a fund-raiser for St. Jude that raised $1,500. Keeping busy, especially in group activities, seems to Janet didn’t survive her fight with cancer, but Shirley dedicated her life to helping other children win help her stay strong. “Lindsay looks out for everyone; their battles with the disease. that’s just her nature,” says her mother. “The first night of Through the years, Shirley has held many other events to benefit St. Jude, including grocery raffles chemo, when Lindsay was an inpatient, I was so tired, I and bingo games, which she coordinated weekly through the local Jaycees—a national organization passed out on the couch in her room. When the nurses established to provide opportunities for young adults to develop personal and leadership skills through came in, Lindsay said, ‘Shhh, my mama’s asleep. She’s service to others. She fondly remembers a special donation she presented to St. Jude. very tired.’” “I remember one particular time when Danny Thomas came to California to accept a check for $30,000 raised through bingo games,” says Shirley. “I wish everyone had had a chance to meet Danny. He was so dedicated and really cared about the kids at the hospital.” Dedicated is also a word that could be used to describe Shirley, who has spent the past 34 years rais- Top: Lindsay may spend her days at St. Jude Children’s ing money to support St. Jude. To honor her commitment to the institution, the Jaycees made a donation Research Hospital, but evenings are a different matter alto- to the hospital in memory of Janet. gether. That’s when she participates in theater and dance— “That is one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me,” says Shirley. “Some people ask why concentrating on greasepaint and costume changes instead of I support St. Jude way back in Memphis, but it’s more than that. The protocols and research at St. Jude chemotherapy and cancer therapy. are shared everywhere.” AAs a testament to her dedication, Shirley spent many years volunteering for the hospital’s radiothons Bottom: Mother and daughter have gained strength from each and golf tournaments in addition to the events she organized herself. She has cut back on the amount of other during the rigors of cancer treatment. “I have been so time spent working bingo games, but the organization donates annually in her honor to thank her for her impressed with how strong Lindsay’s been through all of this,” monthly participation in bingo. Carla says. “She holds me up sometimes, saying, ‘Mama, don’t worry. You worry too much. It’s going to be okay.’” “Sometimes I get tired and think I’ve volunteered long enough, but then I think about the kids at

St. Jude, and I know I have to go on,” says Shirley. “I just want every child to have a childhood. Alicia H. Matthews H. Alicia Children should be healthy and happy; they shouldn’t be sick. St. Jude gives children a chance to live.” To learn more about ways to give, call ALSAC Gift Planning at (901) 578-2081 or toll free at (800) 830-8119 ext. 2081.

6 Promise / Summer 2004 By Summer 2004 / Promise 7 SpaB Y C ARRIE L. STREHLAU Kids PHOTOS BY SETH DIXON A new study brings massage into the aughter may be the patient’s room. But this treatment involves best medicine, but a good massage is a more than just back rubs. Think close second. Markie Lambert—a whoopee cushions. Think Three Stooges. 12-year-old patient Think relief from pain and anxiety. Lat St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—got the best of both worlds. Markie and his mother, Margaret, volunteered to be part of an ongoing study using humor and massage con- Relaxation station therapist had to wake me up once ducted by staff in the hospital’s Funded by a National Cancer because I’d truly been asleep.” Behavioral Medicine division. Institute grant, the project is the Margaret and her son participated Twelve-year-old Markie Researchers created the study to result of two earlier pilot studies. “We in one part of the three-tiered study. In Lambert tries out a wacky explore whether massage and humor looked at techniques that kids could the first group, children receive a mas- toy from the Comedy Cart. therapy can reduce the distress experi- use during the day and that were sage three times a week along with Desirée Louwerse of Behavioral Medicine brings enced by patients undergoing stem transportable to their hospital rooms,” humor therapy intervention. The laughter and fun to cell transplants. Phipps says. “Of the techniques we second group receives the same inter- patients’ rooms as part of a “We’re asking the question about tried, the most well-liked and ventions, along with massage and project evaluating the effect whether brief, positive experiences widely used were massage and relaxation therapy sessions for a of massage and humor might serve as a sort of medicine,” says humor therapy.” participating parent. therapy. The study is fund- ed by a grant from the Sean Phipps, PhD, clinical psychologist Margaret can understand why. “We bring the parents to a room National Cancer Institute. and lead researcher for the study. “I’d be sitting up all day and night with a big, soft, comfy recliner with “There is some evidence to suggest that praying for Markie,” she recalls. “I dim lighting,” says Beth Gray, a lead a brief, positive experience impacts would go into the relaxation room, put clinical research associate who also your ability to tolerate negative experi- on my headphones and listen to my serves as the study’s main massage ences. And it may serve as a stress CD. I was feeling so tense, and as therapist. “We encourage the parents to buffer, as well as an antidote against the soon as I would start to relax, I would focus on their breathing and help them physical effects of stress.” feel more comfortable. The massage to relax each muscle group. Then we

8 Promise / Summer 2004 Summer 2004 / Promise 9 In addition to receiving mas- encourage them to imagine a safe sages, parents participating in and peaceful place before begin- the study learn to use relaxation ning the relaxation imagery.” techniques while lounging in “The relaxation imagery is comfy recliners. “There is some related to competence in parent- evidence to suggest that a brief, positive experience impacts your ing so they can feel more ability to tolerate negative expe- confident in parenting an ill riences, says Sean Phipps, PhD, child,” Phipps adds. clinical psychologist and lead he third group receives researcher for the study. “And it standard care. To partic- may serve as a stress buffer as well as an antidote against the T ipate in the study, a physical effects of stress.” patient must be 6 to 18 years of age and undergoing a stem cell transplant from a matched sib- ling, mismatched family member or an unrelated donor. “What we’re doing here is usually have my CD player with relaxing intervention, as well as to track their “In fact, we recognize that there may be complementary in nature,” Gray music. I always ask the patient if it’s mood, physical well-being and activity some days when they don’t feel like it, says. “It is not meant to replace okay to have a massage that day. If they levels across the acute phase of trans- and we stress that those are the days any of the medical treatments. say yes, I start with their hands, then plant. that are best for them to do it. Our We want to show some things arms, legs and feet, shoulder, neck, scalp “It seemed like Markie rested better research assistants encourage the kids to that could help improve a patient and back. But it is all based on what the and didn’t complain about aches as take items off the cart. Along with this, and parent’s quality of life.” child allows.” much after he had a massage,” Margaret we try to plant the seed that there are According to Gray, some children fall recalls. Other study outcomes include aspects of their own environment that Ahh, there’s the rub asleep and some want to keep an eye on monitoring the use of medications for they may find humorous.” ray is also responsible everything. “Sometimes the child may pain and nausea and the number of days That may be a funny voice a nurse for coordinating study feel nauseated, be in pain or not be in the spent in the hospital. makes or a humorous mannerism of a G results from the other mood to have a massage,” she says. “We “If some patients require fewer pain doctor. “The goal is to educate the participating institutions in are flexible. We let the children know that medications or get out of the hospital a patients and parents about adding laughter Toronto, Canada; Columbus, they are in charge.” day sooner, that would more than to each day,” he adds. Ohio; and Philadelphia, For the parents, Beth brings a special cover the cost of the interventions,” For Markie, it’s his younger cousin. Pennsylvania. table into another room and performs a Phipps says. “She always makes me laugh just by the “When I go in the child’s full-body massage for about 30 minutes. Markie says he really enjoyed having things she does and the way she dances,” hospital room, I let them know “I take the portable massage table with his hands massaged. But his absolute he says. it’s massage time,” she says. “I fresh linens into the parent room, and I favorite part of the study? The whoopee “Markie is the one who makes me also have my CD player with relaxing cushion. “I want to buy one of my own,” laugh,” adds his mother. music and some very light lotion,” he says. From the results of this study, Gray says. The whoopee cushion is part of the researchers will later be able to study “Parents seem to be so appreciative of Comedy Cart—a large, brightly painted the physiological effects of humor and Beth Gray, the study’s main mas- the chance to relax because of what box on wheels that travels to each massage on patients and examine the sage therapist, works her magic they’re going through,” Gray continues. patient’s room. Coordinated by Desirée mechanisms by which these interventions on Markie Lambert. “What we’re “Parents carry so much stress to stay on Louwerse in Behavioral Medicine, the produce positive outcomes. doing here is complementary in top of what they are required to do. This Comedy Cart includes funny glasses, “This is really still a preliminary study nature,” Gray says. “It is not offers them a time to take care of them- sports bloopers and classic movies like just to see if it works,” Phipps says. meant to replace any of the med- ical treatments. We want to show selves, which is a new concept for many The Three Stooges. A patient can choose “We’re in the very early stages, but anec- some things that could help of the parents.” an item from the cart or Louwerse will dotally, it is being well received.” improve a patient and parent’s order an item that a patient may arkie and Margaret were quality of life.” Gray also coordi- Humor me think is humorous but is not already glad to be part of the study, nates study results from partici- tudy participants complete forms included in the cart. and Gray could see the pating institutions in Toronto, M Canada; Columbus, Ohio; and to determine how they feel before “We encourage the kids to take a results. “When they laugh, you know they Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. S and after the humor and massage laugh break every day,” Phipps says. feel better,” she says.

10 Promise / Summer 2004 Summer 2004 / Promise 11 LAURA HAJAR

Deloris Johnson awoke with a gasp. Bolting out of bed, she peered into the darkness, heart pounding, body trembling. This was the third time that her deceased mother had appeared to her in a dream. The first time, the message had been cryptic: “You need to check on somebody,” Deloris’ mother admonished. But this time the message was frantic. “You’re gonna wait too late! You’re gonna wait too late!” warned the apparition. “I jumped up, and when I blinked she was gone,” recalls Deloris. “That’s how I found out April was sick.” DIn January of 1996, Deloris’ niece, April Johnson, complained of swollen lymph nodes. Sure enough, when Deloris took the 14-year-old to the doctor, she learned that April had cancer. “Take her to St. Jude,” advised Deloris’ boss. “That’s the best place to go.” The next day, April traveled to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on the first leg of a journey that would demand courage and determination, faith and more than one miracle.

At left: April and Efrem have hearts full of gratitude and hands full of babies, aptly named Miracle and Faith.

Below: Son Marlon visits April just after her stem cell transplant.

One KAREN PULFER FOCHT When this St. Jude patient Patient experienced a

BY ELIZABETH JANE WALKER relapse of her cancer, three lives Three were at stake.

12 Promise / Summer 2004 Lives Summer 2004 / Promise 13 LAURA HAJAR

aggressive chemotherapy so that she Family matters could obtain a second remission followed As the babies grew within her, April could not help April and Deloris were nervous about by a stem cell transplant. Pui knew that leaving their home. For more than a the situation was precarious. “I could not but worry. Would her twins survive? If she waited decade, April and her two sisters had give her the routine induction therapy for lived with Deloris and her two daughters relapse of leukemia, because it would to begin aggressive treatment, would she be able in a small apartment. Now the family carry a high risk of losing the twins,” Pui would be separated for months. says, “and I had to use drugs that would to defeat the disease? Every day that she waited, “That was my first time being away not affect fetal development.” from home and my other children,” As the babies grew within her, April the leukemic cells were multiplying—reducing her Deloris says. “But when we went to could not help but worry. Would her twins St. Jude, it was like they rolled out the red survive? If she waited to begin aggressive survival odds even further. carpet. They treated us like we were the treatment, would she be able to defeat the queen of England. It was like I was the disease? Every day that she waited, the President’s wife or something! I never leukemic cells were multiplying—reduc- lungs quit functioning properly. She pates a bright future for April and her dreamed it would be like that.” ing her survival odds even further. ended up in the Intensive Care Unit on a family. Her leukemia is in remission, and At St. Jude, April discovered that she To survive relapsed T-cell leukemia, April endured aggressive chemotherapy followed by a stem Wren Kennedy, MSN, a pediatric ventilator. “They thought I was going to Handgretinger says a relapse is unlikely. had acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell transplant. Afterward, she suffered a range of potentially deadly side effects. Today, April is nurse practitioner in St. Jude Hematology- die,” says April. “Normally, these leukemias relapse (ALL). The disease was in complete rebuilding her life with the help of Efram and the inspiration of her children. Oncology, says April’s priority was clear. “All of us made a trip to St. Jude early if they’re going to do so,” he says. remission after 120 weeks of treatment. “She never lost sight of the fact that she because they told us that she could go “So her chance to be cured now is For the next few years, April regularly April’s case posed a challenge to her T-cell leukemia only have a 10 percent wanted to try to give those babies life at any time,” Deloris remembers. “But extremely high.” returned to Memphis for checkups. In longtime St. Jude physician, Ching-Hon cure rate,” Pui observes. “The goal, even at the expense of her own,” Kennedy God told me, ‘Not yet.’ The next day the meantime, she had a son, whom she Pui, MD. Not only was April pregnant, obviously, was to save the twins and says. “Even though we were staying away she got better, and they took her off Doubly blessed named Marlon. but she had T-cell ALL, a type of the mother.” from all the drugs that are known to cause the respirator.” Looking back on her ordeal, April April found out she was pregnant leukemia with a dismal prognosis. In order to survive relapsed T-cell birth defects, the treatment was making Then April developed graft-versus- credits Efrem with helping her survive the again in 2001. But an early sonogram “In general, patients with relapsed leukemia, April would need to undergo her fairly ill. She was having low white host disease (GVHD). This potentially stresses of relapse, transplant and treat- indicated that her pregnancy was anything blood counts and getting infections and fatal complication of stem cell transplan- ment-induced separations from her chil- but routine. ending up in the hospital on broad-spec- tation occurred when the new immune dren. Efrem quit his job so that he could “The doctor started dancing around the trum antibiotics.” system (Myesha’s cells) recognized be in Memphis during the transplant and th room and singing a song,” April recalls. “I This hasn’t been an easy time for me, In her 29 week of pregnancy, April April’s cells as foreign and began destroy- its aftermath. said, ‘What are you singing for?’ He said, And as one who cares about me, returned home so that her obstetrician ing them. As her body attacked itself, “He won’t let me do laundry or ‘Because I see two babies!’” April and her could deliver the twins. Although they April experienced excruciating pain, diar- sweeping or mopping or washing dishes,” There have been so many moments when I’ve wished fiancé, Efrem Coleman, were elated. weighed just a little more than 2 pounds rhea and weight loss, which necessitated a said April, during their yearlong stint at I could have “He’d been telling me I was going to have each, the babies were healthy and beauti- feeding tube. She also underwent opera- Target House. Other family members twins because he had them in his family,” somehow been spared some of the pain or at least ful. April and Efrem named their tiny tions for related complications. pulled together at home, taking care of April says. cushioned the blows. daughters Miracle and Faith. To control the disease, April received a Marlon, Miracle and Faith when the chil- But the couple’s joy soon turned to new treatment that shows promise for dren could not be with their parents. concern, as April began suffering from But it seems that I have my own roads to travel in life. Overcoming challenges patients with chronic GVHD. Extracor- Today, April and Efrem have returned unexplained gastric problems, chest For a while I’m on a smooth, well-worn path, After the babies’ birth, April returned poreal photopheresis is much like a blood to their hometown, where Efrem has been pains and dehydration. After many trips Then suddenly the road swarms. to St. Jude, where she underwent an transfusion. A machine removes blood rehired by his former employer. As April’s to the local doctor, they learned the intensive chemotherapy regimen that from the patient’s body. T-cells from the health slowly improves, Efrem continues cause: April’s leukemia had returned But you know what? finally induced a solid remission. Then blood are combined with a drug, and the to demonstrate his expertise at changing with a vengeance. I’ve watched myself with admiration she needed a stem cell transplant. mixture is exposed to ultraviolet light, diapers and chasing children. As I’ve faced difficulty with strength and courage. St. Jude doctors found that April’s which activates the drug. The treated “He’s a very good dad,” observes Miracle and Faith older sister, Myesha, was a perfect match. blood is then reinfused into the patient. Deloris, who says that God has helped Local medical professionals advised And even in those times when I wanted to give up, The transplant occurred in September of “Photopheresis worked well for April, the family endure their trials. “You just April to abort the babies so that she could Somehow I found it in myself to carry on, 2002. “I’m not used to needles, and it was and it allowed us to reduce other drugs, can’t give up,” she says. “You don’t obtain appropriate treatment. But Efrem And I just know I’ll continue to do so. really an experience to go through,” like steroids, which cause a lot of side give up. You just keep going. And you and April would not consider that option. admits Myesha, “but I was glad to do it effects,” says Rupert Handgretinger, keep praying.” ‘I told the doctor, ‘If God blessed me with I’m a remarkable person, because that was my baby sister.” MD, PhD, director of Stem Cell “I’ve been through a whole lot,” says these twins, he must want me to have And even though this is a road to travel, About a month afterward, April’s Transplantation at St. Jude. April, quietly. “And I thank God every them,’ April says. Again the family turned I’ll be sure to look along the side from time to time. condition started to deteriorate. Already Handgretinger says that April is slowly night for being here and for letting me to St. Jude for help. The person I see there will be cheering me on. damaged from the chemotherapy, her recovering from GVHD, and he antici- have my three kids.”

—Poem by April Johnson

14 Promise / Summer 2004 Summer 2004 / Promise 15 ANN-MARGARET HEDGES

A Peek under the Hood at M OLECULAR M OTORS

BY MARC KUSINITZ AND ELIZABETH JANE WALKER

otors propel cars along that each of the two daughter cells has a turns that make up T4’s structure. Such highways and tractors complete set of chromosomes. This images are helping White understand on farms; they run air requires the cell to uncoil each chromo- how these rescue helicases work. These M conditioners in office some, split the “ladder” apart and enzymes are important because if they buildings, refrigerators at home and con- rebuild the halves. The result is two are defective, the cell might die or veyor belts in factories. Motors are copies of each chromosome. become a cancer cell. everywhere, even inside the cells of One type of helicase enzyme your body. unwinds the double-stranded DNA Movin’ down the highway Structural biologists at St. Jude molecule. If this process jams and Just before the parent cell divides, St. Jude structural biologists such as department Chair Stephen White, DPhil, and Hee-Won Park, PhD, are studying molecular “motors” called helicases and kinesins. “If mutations in DNA are not fixed properly, they produce mutated proteins,” White says. “If Children’s Research Hospital are study- stalls, the cell activates “rescue” helicas- other motors, called kinesins, move the protein doesn’t do its job right, you end up with cancer.” Usually, cells can repair mutations. But if something is wrong with the ing two types of biological motors es to cut through the gridlock and chromosomes into place so that each “motor” that does the overhaul, then the DNA doesn’t get repaired properly. Scientists hope to treat certain diseases by shutting down critical to a cell’s ability to divide and allow the DNA to continue the replica- daughter cell has a complete set of the such defective motors. produce healthy daughter cells. Those tion process. same chromosomes the parent cell had. motors are called helicases and kinesins. Stephen White, DPhil, Structural The kinesins transport the chromosomes Helicases help a cell make copies of all Biology chair, is studying how these res- along microscopic highways called its chromosomes so that each daughter cue helicases work by using an enzyme microtubules. cell gets a full set. Kinesins transport called T4 helicase, which is found in the Two sets of microtubules lead, like Using the fruit fly model, Park devel- interested in learning how they know of most cancers,” observes White. “If each of those chromosomes into the Escherichia coli (or E. coli) bacterium. east and west routes of a highway, to oped a working theory of how this pro- which end they’re supposed to travel to mutations in the DNA are not fixed daughter cells. “As structural biologists, we like to opposite sides of the cell. Kinesin II tein “walks” along the microtubule, car- when they bind to the microtubule.” properly, they produce mutated proteins. Understanding the structure of these look at simple things,” White explains. motors carry chromosomes from each rying the chromosome with it. One end Learning about the Ncd motor is only If the protein doesn’t do its job right, tiny protein motors may help scientists “If you’re trying to look at a giant, set along one of those microtubule of each microtubule strand is called the one part of a mind-boggling picture. you end up with cancer.” eventually bring the growth of cancer human complex to understand how it highways. When the cell divides down positive or “plus” end to distinguish it “There are about 124 different kinds of Our DNA is bombarded constantly, cells to a screeching halt. works, it’s very difficult. But if you can the center, each daughter cell then has a from the other, negative or “minus” end. kinesins in the cell,” Park says. “This is so the cell’s DNA-repair mechanisms find an equivalent complex in a bacteri- complete set of chromosomes. Scientists have long assumed that only one of those.” Although the discov- must work overtime to compensate. Helicases to the rescue um or a virus that does essentially the Hee-Won Park, PhD, of Structural kinesin proteins travel toward the “plus” ery process is arduous, it is also exciting. Usually, the cell can repair mutations. The DNA molecule that makes up a same thing, it’s much easier to look at. Biology created an image of a kinesin end of a microtubule. But Park discov- “It takes a couple of years to crystallize But if something is wrong with the actu- chromosome is like a rubber ladder that So we’re looking at this in T4, a virus motor called Ncd from the fruit fly ered that Ncd steadily moves toward the each protein,” he says, “but it’s a glori- al apparatus—the motor—that does the is twisted into a coil, called a double that invades E. coli. T4 has a helicase Drosophila. “We picked the kinesin pro- more stable “minus” end by grasping the ous thing to work on.” overhaul, then the DNA doesn’t get helix. The cell contains two copies of that acts like human helicases but in a tein from Drosophila because we microtubule and letting go, grasping and repaired properly. Scientists hope to shut each chromosome, one from the mother much, much simpler system.” believe that it’s similar to the human letting go in what he calls a “lever-arm Malfunctions, misfolds down such defective motors to treat cer- and one from the father. Using a technique called X-ray version,” Park says. “This is important model.” and mutations tain diseases. And like the microscopic In cells preparing for division, every crystallography, White has created a because cancer cells divide like crazy, “Somehow the different types of When proteins malfunction, misfold motors themselves, St. Jude researchers chromosome from both the mother and model of the enzyme, which gives an and in cancer cells these kinesin proteins kinesins know which end they’re sup- or mutate, the outcome can be cata- are working constantly, moving inex- father must be copied, or replicated, so intimate look at the graceful loops and are used for DNA division.” posed to move to,” Park says. “We are strophic. “DNA repair is the root cause orably toward their destination.

16 Promise / Summer 2004 Spring 2004 / Promise 17 On the Road to PEORIAText and photos by Laura Hajar

What inspires 150 people to run, relay- style, 465 miles from Memphis, Tennessee, to Peoria, Illinois? What prompts them to spend three sleepless nights in cramped— and often smelly—RVs? What possesses them to set out in the blazing summer heat, with nothing in sight but corn fields and the occasional downhill slope? These are only a few of the questions one might have asked runners participating in the 22nd St. Jude Memphis to Peoria Run last summer. 18 Promise / Summer 2004 / Promise 19 The horde of runners in last year’s Memphis to Peoria Run included 14 St. Jude employees who joined the trek. Runners were organized into two teams, which “leap frogged” through Tennessee, Kentucky and Southern Illinois. Parkinson’s It does not take long for first-time participants to discover why so many By Tanuja Coletta people take part in this event. Answers come in conversations at dinner and while running in the cool dawn air. An answer comes from an elderly woman, waiting at the end of her driveway in the middle of the night, who hands a check to a group of people running through her neighborhood. Progress But perhaps the most compelling answer is emblazoned on a T-shirt worn by a runner and former St. Jude patient: a picture of herself after treat- ment with the words “St. Jude Everyone knows that Parkinson’s disease affects adults. Survivor” stamped below. But by studying this disease, Upon arriving in Peoria, the Memphis runners join individuals who have done auxiliary runs from such cities as Chicago, Springfield, Champaign/Urbana, and St. Louis. Together, they run St. Jude scientists may help children, as well. into the Peoria Civic Center where a telethon for St. Jude is underway. The 2003 St. Jude Memphis to Peoria Run raised $1,221,571 for research and treatment. The 23rd annual St. Jude Memphis to Peoria Run will begin August 4, 2004, at the front door of the hospital and conclude August 7. To make a pledge or donation, call toll-free (800) 713-8223 or visit www.stjuderuns.org and click on the “Donate” button. ANN-MARGARET HEDGES

20 Promise / Summer 2004 Summer 2004 / Promise 21 Richard Smeyne, PhD, gets the same cise could have on curbing the disease’s The trap is set when nerve cells, or Since then, MPTP has opened the on using compounds called neurotrophins, protected in both experiments, Smeyne’s reaction every time he gives a tour of symptoms and progression. The findings neurons, in a portion of the brain called doors for researchers to create lab models or growth factors, as therapies because lab deduced that something external was his laboratory. Visitors cock their heads, could offer clues to a variety of neurode- the substantia nigra are damaged or to study Parkinson’s disease. While the it’s been shown that those chemicals pro- protecting the neurons. furl their brows and ask the obvious ques- generative diseases, as well as pediatric destroyed. As a result, the cells can no chemical is devastating to humans, it does tect the neurons that die in Parkinson’s They found that mice raised in the tion: “Why would the world’s premier and adult brain tumors. longer release dopamine, a chemical that not kill enough neurons in laboratory disease,” Smeyne says. “The problem is deluxe cages had increased neutrophin center for the research and treatment of helps keep muscle movement smooth and mice for them to develop the debilitating with the delivery of these compounds into levels. “So when neurons get injured by childhood illnesses be studying controlled. The symptoms of Parkinson’s symptoms of the disease. Observing that the brain; there is very little control. So the toxin, the extra neutrophins are there Parkinson’s disease?” Escaping the trap disease appear when most neurons in the some strains of mice were naturally resist- my lab is looking for ways to stop the to support them through the toxic insult Smeyne draws his answer from the Parkinson’s disease can turn even the substantia nigra die. ant to MPTP’s effects, Smeyne and his process without using these drugs.” and recover,” Smeyne says. U.S. space program — the “Tang effect” simple act of waving a hand into a battle “Until 70 percent of these cells are colleagues compared genetic differences A lab member suggested they test Next the researchers broke the (yes, the orange powder drink mix). between the brain and the nerves. The dead, you don’t get one symptom,” and identified the exact chromosomal mice exposed to MPTP by using the enriched environments down to cages that “We spent millions of dollars to go to progressive disease afflicts 1 million Smeyne says. “But the bad part is that location of the genes involved in centuries-old “enriched environment” either contained mazes, open space or the moon, and the things that came out of Americans and 2 percent of all people once you get the disease, those neurons Parkinson’s disease. concept — which relies on social, mental exercise wheels. “It was the aerobic exer- it for the general public include Tang, ear older than 55, making it the third most cannot be rescued. You can’t turn them “We took a neurogenetic approach to and physical stimulation to increase brain cise that was working. Just running on thermometers and smoke detectors,” he common neurological disease after back on or get them to work better. the disease that no one was really doing at function. Research had shown that ani- those wheels was enough to offer protec- explains. “In that same vein, while our Alzheimer’s and a form of dementia. They’re gone for good.” the time on an experimental level,” mission is to treat children, our research Many people recognize Parkinson’s char- Smeyne is trying to figure out why Smeyne says. goals are to study basic developmental acteristic symptoms — tremors and the this happens and, specifically, how to pre- Now his lab is homing in on the genes mechanisms that aren’t necessarily limit- loss of balance and coordination — from dict who will succumb to the disease. that can lead individuals to develop ed to childhood cancer. So while we hope seeing celebrities like Michael J. Fox, While the cause of Parkinson’s disease is Parkinson’s disease. While we hope to find the underlying to find the underlying basis of Parkinson’s Pope John Paul II, Janet Reno and largely unknown, Smeyne thinks it is “We’ve actually shown in our lab that disease, this research may also have Muhammad Ali cope with the disease. most likely due to a genetic susceptibility the nerve cells die only after they interact basis of Parkinson’s disease, this applications for the children we treat.” Although it exacts a hefty physical toll to environmental agents such as certain with another type of cell in the brain Smeyne and his colleagues in St. Jude on its victims, Parkinson’s disease rarely pesticides and other toxins. The current called a glial cell,” Smeyne says. Glial research may also have applications for Developmental Neurobiology are search- affects the intellect. gold standard in treatment is the drug lev- cells make up the brain’s support tissue ing for the exact location of genes that “This is a disease where in most cases, odopa, or L-dopa, which neurons can con- and do not conduct electrical impulses as the children we treat. could be used to screen people at risk for your mental faculties don’t deteriorate, vert into dopamine to replenish the brain’s do neurons. While popular belief holds Parkinson’s disease. St. Jude is home to but you physically become immobile,” dwindling supply. Although the drug is that glial cells are the glue that holds neu- one of a handful of programs in the world Smeyne says. “In the end stages, it’s like remarkable at stopping Parkinson’s symp- rons together, Smeyne takes another view. taking a serious look at the benefits exer- being trapped in your own body.” toms, it isn’t a permanent cure. “We believe that glia do not only sup- mals raised in this environment had tion.” The outcome was equally good for “It wears off,” Smeyne says. port neurons, but play a much more criti- stronger neurons with more dendrites adult mice, proving that “it’s never too Richard Smeyne, PhD, “Eventually it doesn’t work anymore, and cal role in brain function,” he says. “I and synapses, which help neurons send late” to start exercising to be protected. of St. Jude Develop- the cells even regulate against it. Also, believe that Parkinson’s disease will ulti- signals to other cells. But Smeyne was Now, Smeyne is studying how much mental Neurobiology is some people think — and we’re among mately be found to be a disease of glial skeptical about how the process would exercise is needed and how long the neu- searching for the exact them — that giving L-dopa actually caus- cells that affect neurons through their affect toxins. ron protection lasts. location of genes that es the disease to progress faster.” interactions.” The researchers moved groups of 14 St. Jude researchers think the findings ANN-MARGARET HEDGES could be used to screen people at risk for Gaining a better understanding of how Smeyne’s lab is now testing ways to MPTP-exposed mice from normal cages, may be useful for children who undergo Parkinson’s disease. the brain cells work could lead to earlier interfere with the process and keep cell which usually house about five mice with cancer therapy. Studies have shown that St. Jude is one of a detection and more effective treatment. death under 70 percent. “If we do that, we food, water and little else, into spacious about four years after receiving full cra- handful of programs in will stop the symptoms from ever arising, cages filled with toys, mazes and exercise nial radiation, some children experience a the world studying the benefits exercise could which is an effective cure in itself,” wheels — what Smeyne calls the Trump decrease in their IQ levels. The cause is have on curbing the dis- A new approach Smeyne says. Plaza of mouse housing. unknown, but neuron loss could be one ease’s symptoms and Because Parkinson’s symptoms appear He was surprised to learn that exercise The results were amazing. reason, says Smeyne. progression. The find- late — sometimes several years after might be the key. “Three months later, there was zero Putting the “Tang effect” into practice, ings could offer clues to onset — and are often coupled with other cell loss,” he says. “They were 100 per- St. Jude scientists are discussing a a variety of neurodegen- erative diseases, as well illnesses of aging, understanding the dis- cent protected in this enriched environ- research project to see if exercise can help as pediatric and adult ease’s basic cell biology was limited until Deluxe mouse pad ment. We couldn’t believe it.” reduce nerve cell death in these children. brain tumors. an accidental discovery 22 years ago. Besides L-dopa and other drugs, cur- Wanting to see if the reaction was spe- “This research that came out of That’s when a group of California drug rent Parkinson treatments range from cific to Parkinson’s disease, the Parkinson’s disease may work well with users botched an attempt to make synthet- stem cell transplantation to deep brain researchers ran the experiment in lab handling some of the secondary effects ic heroin and instead produced a neuro- stimulation, where a pacemaker conducts models of pediatric seizures. Again, the that we see from chemotherapy and radia- toxin known as MPTP. The next day, the impulses to electrodes surgically inserted neurons were completely protected. tion,” Smeyne says. “This is the kind of addicts were catatonic with severe parkin- in the brain. Because the way cells die in thing that can only happen at St. Jude, sonian symptoms. All of the patients “Right now, there’s a huge emphasis Parkinson’s disease and pediatric seizures where our research can be translated to improved immediately with L-dopa. in biotech and pharmaceutical companies is different and because neurons were the clinic almost seamlessly.”

22 Promise / Summer 2004 Summer 2004 / Promise 23 Perspective

A Call to Action “It wasn’t until I was an adult working in New York that a little girl made St. Jude real to me—by issuing a request By Amber Valletta that I couldn’t ignore.” LAURA HAJAR When I was a kid attending Catholic and I met for the first time at the hospital, St. Jude is by far the best in the world. schools in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I partici- where I held her hand while she under- And they share their information with pated in Math-A-Thons¨ for St. Jude went a medical procedure. Since then, I everyone. I think it is extraordinary in Children’s Research Hospital. With my have watched her grow, seen her prom our day and age that St. Jude is willing classmates, I watched videos of Danny pictures and served as a sort of long- to share information and not hoard it Thomas and his family talking about the distance big sister. for its own financial advantage. The hospital and its patients. I remember Now she’s graduating from high hospital goes into countries that can’t thinking, “Those kids are my age,” and school and going to college. afford the medicine or the technology I felt so bad for them. I help St. Jude because it gives kids and helps them cure cancers and cata- But it wasn’t until I was an adult like Haley a chance to grow up. Children strophic diseases. working in New York that a little girl have the right to live and to experience I have a little boy. That’s definitely a made St. Jude real to me—by issuing a life to its fullest. That’s why people do reason for me to help. God forbid that it request that I couldn’t ignore. Haley the hard and diligent work they do for should happen, but if I ever had a sick Hubbard didn’t know me, but we were St. Jude—so that they can see these child, I’d know exactly where to go. from the same hometown. She had seen children smile and someday have The doctors and nurses, the newspaper articles about my involvement normal lives. researchers, the Thomas family, the with charity events in Tulsa. Convinced The research and development at fund-raisers at ALSAC—they’re all that I cared about healers who are saving lives children, she told the and making changes in the people at St. Jude, world. “This woman will JOHN ZACHER It’s up to you and me to help us. Call her!” help them. Got smiles? So a St. Jude Crystal Smith, RN, assists patient Krista Kellon with her milk mustache for the “Got Milk?/Shake Stuff Up” photo contest. doctor called and Actress and supermodel The contest was part of the hospital’s celebration of National Nutrition Month. The theme was milk and dairy. Patient talked to me. I was Amber Valletta is a member Courtney Hayworth was selected as the photo contest winner for Memphis. One local “Shake Stuff Up” winner is selected touched to hear of the hospital’s Professional in each city and one grand-prize winner will win an ad in Rolling Stone magazine for the milk campaign. about the hospital Advisory Board. She has again and to learn been heavily involved in about the children such St. Jude fund-raising and their families. events as Runway for Life, I was crying by the L.A. Gala and the the end of the con- Monaco Gala. Valletta is the versation, saying, celebrity spokesperson for “I’ll do anything! The Night for the Children What do you want Gala, which will be held me to do?” St. Jude patient Haley Hubbard didn’t know supermodel Amber Valletta, but she July 23 at the Monte Carlo had heard about Valletta, since they were from the same hometown. The girl just Thank God for knew that Valletta would embrace the St. Jude mission, once she heard about it. Sporting Club, Monaco. (See Haley and for the faith Sure enough, when Valletta learned about St. Jude, she threw her influence and www.nightforthechildren.com that she had! Haley energy into helping the kids of St. Jude. for more information.)

24 Promise / Summer 2004