Opinion

Richard Shadyac: How many of us can say without a doubt, “I know why I was born.”?

Photo taken from Richard Shadyac/LinkedIn

Mar 2, 2024, 19:00

Richard Shadyac: How many of us can say without a doubt, “I know why I was born.”?

Shannon Goldberg-Cruz, Head of Entertainment and Influence at Richard Shadyac, President and Chief Executive Officer at

“I love our founder’s story. My dream is to tell this story on the big screen one day, because Danny was remarkable, and the world needs to hear his story. I think about the lives he helped to save, and how many lives will continue to be saved. I think about how the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital saved my sister’s life, and then I think about the 1 in 5 children who won’t make it. It’s never too late to help however you can, because possible starts with all of us.”

Quoting Richard Shadyac’s post:

““If I were to die tomorrow, I now know why I was born.”

When Danny Thomas said those profound words in 1962, he wasn’t talking about his incredible success in Hollywood or the personal accolades he had received. He was talking about real purpose — about something larger than self — as he unveiled the statue of Saint Jude Thaddeus and gave St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to the world.

That was 62 years ago today. Since that Feb. 4, childhood leukemia has largely been deemed curable and overall childhood cancer survival rates in this country have risen from less than 20% to 80% with the help of St. Jude.

How many of us can say without a doubt: “I know why I was born.”?

I believe our supporters — our St. Jude family — can. Through selfless generosity and living charitably, and your focus on humanity over self, you are fueling a global movement for good. Together, we are living Danny’s dream and carrying his legacy into the future to help ensure more kids and families around the world get the hope and healing they need.

For 62 years of support … for your dedication to another 62 and beyond, on behalf of everyone at ALSAC and St. Jude, thank you for all you do.”

Source: Shannon Goldberg-Cruz/LinkedIn and Richard Shadyac/LinkedIn