Lisa Akroush

My story is a long one so I'm keeping it short this year. Representation matters. As a Jordanian American, I grew up knowing all the Arab actors like Omar Sharif, Jamie Farr, and Danny Thomas. Danny would fundraise at my family's church for St. Jude and knew my great uncle. Lo and behold, years later I would receive my First Communion from Danny's cousin Father Victor. It's always been two degrees of separation for me to this legendary humanitarian.

Because everyone knows someone with cancer or has been touched by another terrible disease, I'm joining the nationwide movement to honor Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and support those who need us most — the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. By participating in the St. Jude Walk, I am helping to cure childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

St. Jude was the first hospital to find treatments for sickle cell and their research has been used to advance cures and treatments in cancer since 1962 helping the overall survival rate reach over 80% with some cancer at over 90%. 

Not only has this hospital helped save lives from disease, it has also helped break racial and religious barriers in medical care. 

Can I count on your donation to help me reach my goal?

Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – so they can focus on helping their child live. By donating to my fundraising efforts, you are helping to make that possible.

Thank you for supporting me and the lifesaving work happening at St. Jude today.