January 6: Birthday of Danny Thomas (1912)
Prayer Idea
Pray for children who have cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
History Note
Danny Thomas was born on January 6, 1912, in Deerfield, Michigan. His parents were immigrants from Lebanon. He was the fifth of ten children: nine boys and one girl.
Danny decided as a child that he wanted to pursue a career in show business. He eventually became known around the world as a comedian and actor.
In the early 1950s, Danny Thomas embarked on his most important life’s work. He began a project to build a hospital for children. Danny and his wife, Rose Marie, traveled across the country to raise money to build St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
They recruited the children and grandchildren of other immigrants from the Middle East to establish the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities. This organization continues to provide ongoing funding for the hospital so that families do not have to pay for care.
Today St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital continues its mission to advance cures, and means of prevention, for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases through research and treatment.
Danny Thomas (1957)
Learn More
This news clip tells the story of Danny Thomas and his legacy.
Learn more about Danny Thomas at the Danny Thomas / ALSAC Pavilion in Memphis, Tennessee.
