Erika Radu is a family-oriented individual who is passionate about supporting nonprofit organizations that aim to uplift families in their times of need. Radu is a longtime supporter of St. Jude Hospital.
Erika Radu is a longtime volunteer and supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She regularly supports St. Jude by dedicating monthly gifts to the organization. Radu is a firm believer in the importance of St. Jude. As a Supporter, she is proud of the hospital’s active and on-going care of children in critical times of medical necessity. Every single day, St. Jude is able to provide lifesaving care and treatment to children battling pediatric cancer, diseases and other illnesses — completely free-of-charge to their families. The Children’s Hospital is also a leader in scientific discoveries surrounding pediatric illnesses. The research efforts carried out by the medical professionals and staff actively seek to improve treatment and establish possible new cures. This information and research is shared globally in hopes of ending childhood cancer for good. Radu is a firm supporter of the idea that no child should ever have to face the ordeal of pediatric cancer; until that is a reality, she will work diligently to support efforts that seek to extend the life-expectancy and survival rates of children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses.
As a family-oriented individual who seeks out opportunities to help families in need, Erika Radu has always supported the message of St. Jude Hospital. When a family receives the news of a pediatric cancer diagnosis, the last thing they should have to worry about is how they will manage to pay for care and treatment. In an effort to help alleviate that burden, St. Jude Supporter Erika Radu actively seeks out ways to support families along their pediatric cancer journeys. Along with her support of St. Jude, Radu also echoes the causes of Alex’s Lemonade Stand, St. Baldrick’s Foundation and Pablove Foundation.
Danny Thomas and a Promise to Saint Jude Thaddeus
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is named in dedication to the patron saint of hopeless causes: Saint Jude Thaddeus (Jude the Apostle). Established by legendary Old Hollywood entertainer turned philanthropist Danny Thomas in 1962, St. Jude has been a global leader in pediatric medicine since its inception. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Thomas founded the hospital guided by the idea that “no child should die in the dawn of life.” In longtime supporter and volunteer Erika Radu’s heart, the true story of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is what continues to drive her to support the initiative. Before making his mark on the world, entertainer Danny Thomas was a struggling comedian. Penniless and living paycheck to paycheck, Thomas was soon to father his first child. A faithful Maronite Catholic, he turned to the Church in his time of struggle. Uncertain of how he would support his family, Thomas prayed to Saint Jude Thaddeus in his time of hopelessness with a promise: if the saint could help him to provide for his family, Thomas promised to build St. Jude a shrine. One week later, the entertainer received an offer for a gig that propelled his career to incredible heights. Thomas went on to become a successful comedian — never forgetting the promise that he had made at Mass in Detroit, all those years ago. Thankful for the opportunity that allowed him to support his family, Danny Thomas established St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help others in their times of hopelessness — just as he felt Saint Jude Thaddeus had invoked in his own life.