A Heart-Opening Journey: My Visit to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

As I sit down to write about my recent visit to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, I find myself overwhelmed with emotions. This experience has touched me profoundly, not just as a businesswoman or public figure, but as a human being. Today, I want to share with you the impact this visit has had on me, both personally and professionally, and why I believe supporting St. Jude's mission is more crucial than ever.

When I first received the invitation to visit St. Jude with other like-minded professionals, I was both honored and, admittedly, a bit apprehensive. As the founder of Samreen's Vanity, I've been fortunate enough to witness the transformative power of beauty. But I wondered how my experiences in the beauty industry would translate to a place dedicated to fighting childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Little did I know that this visit would provide me with a new lens through which to view my work, my purpose, and the true meaning of beauty.

From the moment I stepped into St. Jude, I was struck by the atmosphere. Despite the serious nature of the work being done here, there was an unmistakable air of hope and warmth. The colorful artwork adorning the walls, the smiling faces of the staff, and the sound of children's laughter echoing through the corridors all spoke to a place where hope thrives in the face of adversity.

As I toured the facilities, I was in awe of the cutting-edge technology and research capabilities. But what truly captivated me were the workers who the stories of the children and families I met. Their resilience, their courage, and their unwavering spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges left an indelible mark on my heart.

I had always known about how families benefit from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, but visiting the facility in person gave me an entirely new level of respect for this remarkable institution. What struck me most was the unwavering dedication I witnessed – from every employee to every doctor on the medical teams, their commitment to the mission was palpable.

One of the most inspiring aspects of St. Jude's is their intentional effort to hire former patients. During our tour, we were guided by one such individual – a three-time cancer warrior whose infectious joy and enthusiasm lit up every room we entered. Despite having faced leukemia relapses multiple times, his resilience and positive spirit were truly remarkable.

A particularly meaningful moment came during my conversation with Shannon, someone who works at St. Jude's corporate office (and who I now call a friend). I had shared with her how exhausted I felt from traveling state to state before arriving. However, something transformative happened when I stepped through those doors. Despite my fatigue, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and purpose – as if I was exactly where I needed to be.

That visit put everything into perspective. While we often get caught up in life's daily pursuits (which admittedly have their place), being at St. Jude's reminded me of what truly matters. Within those walls, the focus shifts to something far more fundamental – the fight for the next breath. Witnessing the daily battles these warriors face helped me understand that sometimes the smallest victories carry the greatest meaning.

Learn about ways to give back to St. Jude's and how to get involved.