The sprawling complex of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on uptown’s northern fringe has been saving lives and bringing hope to children and their families since 1962. St. Jude was founded by entertainer Danny Thomas in fulfillment of his promise to God to give back to those in need.

Over the years and thanks to the success of its fundraising arm—the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities—St. Jude has expanded many times over and now leads the world in research and treatment of catastrophic childhood diseases, especially pediatric cancers. The hospital never turns anyone away due to inability to pay, and it never makes families without insurance pay for their treatment.

Visitors can tour a small museum about Danny Thomas and St. Jude in the Danny Thomas ALSAC Pavilion (332 N. Lauderdale St., 901/495-4414, daily 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., free), located inside a golden dome on the hospital grounds. Just outside are the graves of Danny Thomas and his wife, Rose Marie.