PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — After the Monday announcement that OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois is formalizing the end of its affiliation with St. Jude, the Peoria organization is reaffirming its fundraising commitment to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois and University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria will transition from the St. Jude affiliate network to operate independently as the OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute in collaboration with University of Illinois College of Medicine faculty,” the statement from OSF said on Monday.
St. Jude released a statement saying the community’s support has not wavered.
“For decades, the Peoria region and surrounding communities have played a vital role in supporting the lifesaving mission of St. Jude. That dedication remains as strong as ever,” the statement said. “Local volunteers, donors, and advocates are united in ensuring that fundraising efforts not only continue – but grow.”
Peoria St. Jude Co-Founder and President Mike McCoy said the run, ride, and drive will continue.
The St. Jude Runners Association is in its 45th year on the edge of raising $100 million for childhood cancer research and care. The Ride is in its 20th year and the Corvette Drive is turning 15. Together, he said, the three events have raised $120 Million in Central Illinois.
“This is not the end of anything—it’s a continuation of something incredibly meaningful,” said McCoy. “We will not stop. These children and families need us, and Central Illinois will continue to answer that call.”
The St. Jude Midwest Affiliate office has a staff of 10 to handle the variety of fundraising efforts it handles.
St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital’s mission is, “families never receive a bill from St Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live, regardless of the duration or the cost of care,” the website says.
While the OSF St. Jude affiliation ends on June 30, all of the current St Jude Midwest Affiliate patients will receive care under that model through June 30, 2029.
After the separation, six weeks from now, families who are seeking care for a child with cancer will have a choice. The OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois, Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute, and the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria will continue collaborating to provide such care in the area.
OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois President Meg Zakrzewski said the mission remains to serve all patients with the greatest care and love, including financial needs, when families have them.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is in Memphis, Tenn., and has other affiliate hospital sites in 5 other states, including one in Missouri.
The St. Jude Peoria to Memphis Corvette Drive is on May 14. The Run takes off for Memphis on July 29, and the St Jude Ride is Sept 10.
WMBD TV first reported on this story. You can read the original story online at CIProud.com.
