St. Jude Insider December 2024

S T. J U D E I N S I D E R

DECEMBER 2024

St. Jude Insider Digest Recap

DECEMBER 2024

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DECEMBER 2024

New St. Jude Child Care Center provides welcome support for working parents

BY BRITTNEY BRYANT

Brennan Bradfield, RN, nurse coordinator, has struggled to find quality child care for her young daughter, Charlotte.

From long wait lists for admission to staffing shortages, she said it’s been a stressful experience for her family.

“My daughter’s only 2 years old and she’s already in her third daycare,” Bradfield said.

Like Bradfield, many parents have also had difficulty finding affordable and reliable child care over the past few years. With daycares closing during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Melissa Carlton, director of Benefits, Wellness and Employee Health, said St. Jude realized the importance of providing employer-sponsored child care.

The St. Jude Child Care Center opened in November.

“I know that St. Jude will provide the best care, so I can focus “It became a real crisis for parents. We began offering

on work and not have to worry about my child,” Bradfield said.

a $2,000 child care credit to help supplement expenses for employees and started research on

Located less than one mile from campus in the Uptown

opening a new child care center,” Carlton said.

neighborhood, the building was designed to feel like an extension of St. Jude with bright colors and curved

In October 2020, St. Jude partnered with Bright Horizons,

walls. The center features a dedicated STEAM (science,

which specializes in developing and managing employer-

technology, engineering, art and math) program, as

sponsored child care centers. After years of researching

well as a movement room and outdoor playground.

and planning, construction on the St. Jude Child Care Center began in January 2024. The center officially

“From the layout of the classrooms to the security

opened for families November 22.

features to the enrichment spaces, the purpose was to provide a space that children can enjoy, and families

“We believe by providing high-quality child care for our

will know that their children are in a safe environment,”

employees, we will help alleviate some family stressors

said Nedlan Smith, Bright Horizons regional manager.

that can cause workplace disruptions, position St. Jude as an employer of choice, and give our employees’

“Bright Horizons and St. Jude went above and beyond

children the best possible start in life,” Carlton said.

to provide the best child care center for families. Every detail was thought out,” said Dominique Williams, Bright

With another baby girl on the way, Bradfield was thrilled to learn about St. Jude opening a child care center for employees.

Horizons director of St. Jude Child Care Center.

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To accommodate employees with busy schedules, the center is open 6:45 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The St. Jude Child Care Center will only close during St. Jude employee holidays.

As a mother to a 6-month-old and 2–year old, Tess Cobb, associate counsel in Legal Services, said the extended hours and limited closures will be helpful.

“We don’t have any family in Memphis, so it’s really difficult to find child care when daycares are closed for several days or weeks during holiday breaks. I’m appreciative that they only close on St. Jude holidays,” Cobb said.

“For nurses, it can be stressful to find child care that accommodates our schedule. It’s great that they took that into account when planning the hours for the center,” Bradfield said.

For Cobb and Bradfield, safety and security were also important factors when choosing to send their children to the center. The property is gated with security checkpoints and the St. Jude Security team is onsite. The building also features biometric screening technology for access to the building and classrooms.

Parents also don’t have to worry about packing food for their children. In partnership with Bright Horizons’ nutritionists, a chef prepares a healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks in the onsite kitchen.

The St. Jude Child Care Center provides care for up to 188 children, from infants to 5-year-olds. They are still accepting full-time applications for all age levels. Week-long programs for older children are also expected to be available in the summer.

“During this process, it was clear how much St. Jude really appreciates their employees. Not every major organization sees the value in providing this benefit for their employees—but St. Jude gets it,” Smith said.

DECEMBER 2024

DECEMBER 2024

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#SJMMW: Why two St. Jude employees participate in Memphis Marathon Weekend

BY SASHA STEINBERG

Every year, thousands of St. Jude supporters—patients, families, employees, volunteers, donors, community members —participate in St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend (SJMMW), the hospital’s largest single-day fundraising event. Every one of them has a story. Hear from two St. Jude employees as they share their inspiring #SJMMWWhy. Brad Swafford Manager of Research Billing Compliance, Research Finance Hometown: Dyer, Arkansas “Two years ago, a strength trainer I was seeing knew I worked at St. Jude and challenged me to sign up for the

Brad Swafford ran in this year’s half marathon and is a member of the new St. Jude Run Club.

10K and run it without stopping. I was skeptical that I could complete his challenge. However, that was the first time

In that class, he reviewed some injury prevention

I ran 6 miles without stopping, and I was hooked. This

strategies that I had never really considered and

year, I have completed over 46 races around the Memphis

have since implemented when I go on runs.

area, including the St. Jude Rock n’ Roll Run in Nashville, and have met some of the most amazing friends.

Dr. Downing and St. Jude leaders always remind us to remember our St. Jude Values and why we do

This year, I am doing the St. Jude 2-Race Challenge

what we do. As employees, we all have separate

by doing a timed 10K virtual race and completing the

things that bring those values into perspective. The

half marathon on race day. This being the first year

St. Jude Marathon is one of those things for me.

I was attempting the St. Jude Half Marathon, I knew I had to join the St. Jude 60 and become an active

There is no other way to describe marathon morning other

member of the newly established St. Jude Run Club.

than magical, arriving at 5-6 a.m. and seeing thousands of people there for the one goal of raising money for St. Jude.

The Run Club has allowed me to network with coworkers, meet new friends who love running as much as I do, and

Then, getting the privilege of running through the St. Jude

keep me accountable for my weekly running goals.

campus and seeing the past and present patients with their families who have all come to cheer us on. I am reminded

Coach Kenny also has been great! One of the classes that really helped me was “Running Training Techniques and Injury Prevention.”

each year that they are why I am here and why I do what I do.”

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DECEMBER 2024

Gailya “Sunshyne” Taylor

Imagine crossing that finish line knowing you pushed

Senior Administrative Specialist, Surgery

through doubts and challenges—you’ll feel stronger and

Hometown: Gulfport, Mississippi

more accomplished than ever. And you’re not alone!

One year, everything in my body seemed to catch up with

As a participant, mentor, or volunteer, you’ll be

me. I knew I needed support, so I sought out a community

surrounded by people cheering you on, celebrating

and found a local walking group. They assured me that even

your effort, and reminding you why you’re doing this.

if I couldn’t run, I was welcome to join them for walks.

You’re not just moving your body—you’re moving toward What started as short walks gradually became longer and more fulfilling—both mentally and physically. To my surprise, I began losing weight, and the walks became a highlight of my routine. The women in the group were traveling to races and earning medals, which inspired me to join them.

I quickly became what I like to call a “bling-chaser.”

It struck me how incredible it would be to combine my newfound love of walking with supporting the place where I work. I volunteered for St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend many years before I decided to train for my very first half marathon in 2016. Since then, I have completed nine half marathons, 14 10Ks, and 25 5Ks, and raced in 15 states.

This year marks the launch of the Race Mentor program, and I genuinely hope it becomes a lasting tradition. Coach Kenny has been amazing. I have listened to all of the workshops and gathered some invaluable information. His experience is refreshing to hear, and I love the different perspectives.

I’ve made it a priority to encourage those who want to try that walking is perfectly okay. I remember how important it was for me to see others like me—people who started by walking and built from there.

The beauty of an event like this is that it’s about so much more than running—it’s about showing up, giving your best, and being part of a community that supports each other every step of the way.

Whether you’re walking, jogging, or running, every step you take matters. This is your race at your pace.

personal growth and contributing to a bigger purpose.”

DECEMBER 2024

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How it works: Patient scheduling enhances the patient experience

BY BRITTNEY BRYANT

When coping with the diagnosis and treatment of a catastrophic disease, patients and families deal with unimaginable stress. To help alleviate some of that worry, St. Jude patient schedulers plan a patient’s visit before families arrive at the hospital.

“St. Jude schedulers are puzzle masters. Taking into account provider schedules, resources shared across the hospital and medical needs, they craft a schedule that is most convenient for patient families,” said Kelly Jennemann Wills, manager of patient scheduling, Clinical Operations.

“Our team works closely with clinicians and patients’ families to make sure each patient gets what they need.”

The St. Jude Patient Scheduling team

Depending on the treatment plan, some patients Unlike traditional medical appointments, patient caregivers

have multiple appointments in a day.

do not need to call to schedule appointments at St. Jude.

As a patient at St. Jude in 2013, Candace Pearson, patient Doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants submit

scheduler, has a unique viewpoint of the patient experience.

orders for care and treatment, such as MRIs, doctor visits or

While being treated for Hodgkin lymphoma, she

blood draws. Patient schedulers view those orders in Epic

remembers the difficulty of going to appointments while

and then plan the appropriate times for appointments. They

coping with treatment side effects. She approaches her

also schedule labs, clinic visits, physical therapy, occupational

role with empathy for the patients and caregivers.

therapy, speech therapy or consultations. By managing appointment times effectively, patient scheduling helps

“If a parent ever calls and seems frustrated about

patients receive timely medical care and reduces wait times.

the schedule, I know that it’s because this is the one thing they have control over. It’s something

To ensure patient safety, schedulers also must be

that they can help fix for their child. I’m going to do

knowledgeable about medical tests and procedures.

everything I can to meet that need,” Pearson said.

Certain tests cannot be scheduled before or after a sedated procedure. Also, a patient cannot have more

Necole Felts, patient scheduler, also tries to enhance the

than one MRI scan with contrast on the same day.

patient experience by accommodating preferences.

For newer patients and patients in active treatment, patient

“The patient is always first. If a caregiver or patient prefers

schedulers must coordinate more appointments compared

appointments later in the morning, we try to make that

to those who are further out from initial treatment.

happen,” Felts said. “We value the work that we’re doing.”

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Although nearly 20 patient schedulers are assigned to specific clinics, they work as a team to create the best schedule for a patient.

“Patients rely on the schedule. That is their timetable and how they track progress of treatment. It’s important for us to do the best for our patients and provide that stability,” Pearson said.

DECEMBER 2024

DECEMBER 2024

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In Memoriam: St. Jude mourns the death of Michael Johnson

BY ST. JUDE INSIDER

St. Jude colleagues remember longtime employee Michael Johnson for his smile and dedication to his role as a mail handler. Johnson, who served more than 24 years at St. Jude as a member of Supply Chain Management, passed away November 11.

Cris Murphy, Supply Chain Management, said she will remember Johnson for his humor and positive approach to this work. “It was a great pleasure to be his friend,” Murphy said. “I’m honored to have known him and feel blessed that I have so many memories of our time together.”

Linda Jones, Housing and Patient Services, looked

Michael Johnson

forward to Johnson’s visits to Target House as he

Jenny Lanctot, Cancer Center – Informatics, said Johnson

delivered medical supplies. “We at Target House

was one of the most dedicated workers she’s worked with

loved him,” Linda Jones said. “We will truly miss the

at St. Jude. “He helped me understand the mail system and

laughter he brought, and the great person he was.”

how to do so many things. He was always patient, kind and always brought a smile to those around him,” Lanctot said.

Carmin Blair, Housing and Patient Services, echoed Linda Jones’ words about his support of Target

Michelle Wilemon, Hospitalist Program, remembered

House efforts. “Michael always had a smile on his

Johnson for his smile and huge heart. “He always

face and laughter in his heart,” Blair said. “He will be

had a smile on his face even when he wasn’t feeling

missed greatly at St. Jude and Target House.”

well. He will be greatly missed,” Wilemon said.

Sanford Mann, Pediatric Medicine, said he would

Erika Lowry, Housing and Patient Services, remembered

always make time to catch up with Johnson as he

Johnson for his friendliness and kindness. “He put the

encountered him in the hallways during the workday.

patients first and their happiness first in all that he

“Michael always had a smile on his face,” Mann said.

did, and you could tell he loved his job,” Lowry said.

“He’d go the extra mile if you needed something right away, especially if it was needed for patient care.”

Karen Jones, Clinical Nutrition, will miss the conversations she had with Johnson about his grandchildren. “Over the 20 years I have known him, he was always polite and willing to go out of his way to help with my mailing needs and questions when needed,” Karen Jones said.

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DECEMBER 2024

Employees celebrate the holidays with friends and family at Jude Lights

BY BRITTNEY BRYANT

The Feel Good Friday series is a periodic look at inspirational, positive and uplifting stories from members of the St. Jude community.

The arrival of festive light displays and decorations mark the beginning of the holiday season at St. Jude.

As the sun sets on crisp December nights, campus magically transforms into a winter wonderland with the glow of lights shimmering on every corner.

For the fifth year, employees drove through the enchanting Jude Lights display, featuring ornaments, reindeer and snowflakes. On one special evening,

During the 15-minute drive through campus, you could

staff could share the St. Jude holiday spirit, bringing

see a 32-foot Santa hat and 26-foot ornament tree by

friends and family in their cars for the event.

the I4ARC, plus a colorful carousel and sweet treats like macarons and gingerbread cookies on Candy Lane.

For Andy High, PhD, director of the Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Jude Lights has become

“As a child, one of my favorite things about the holidays

a family tradition for his wife and two children. They’ve

was the light displays. I hope the light displays on campus

attended every Jude Lights event since 2020.

bring that same joy to our patients, their siblings, children of employees and all of us adults too!” Hiskey said.

“We always look forward to Jude Lights—it’s a great family bonding experience. In past years, we

“It’s a special opportunity for employees to share the joy

coupled this event with getting a Christmas tree

of the season with their families while creating cherished

after driving through the lights,” High said.

memories. This event beautifully reflects the spirit of St. Jude—bringing light and hope to our community,” High said.

Lisa Hiskey, assistant member in Infectious Diseases, attended Jude Lights for the first time this year. She

Employees received a special ornament when driving

enjoyed sharing the experience with friends.

through the Donald P. Pinkel, MD, Research Tower circle drive.

“The decorations are a beautiful daily reminder of the holidays, a time for all of us to come together in the spirit of generosity, connection and gratitude,” Hiskey said.

Jude Lights featured several new additions this year.

DECEMBER 2024

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Journey to the Jude: Pam Holiday, Human Resources

BY SASHA STEINBERG

This holiday season, Pam Holiday is sharing her St. Jude journey.

“I was born in Columbus, Ohio. Tennessee is the fifth state where I have lived. I worked in the auto industry for 20 years in human resources and finance, and I came to St. Jude after being HR director for a small HBCU in Huntsville, Alabama.

I learned about St. Jude during my visits with my college roommate, who moved here approximately 30 years ago. We’re like sisters, and she often encouraged me to move to Memphis. It has been such a joy to be able to hang out with her and her family.

Pam Holiday of Human Resources joined St. Jude in 2021.

This understanding inspires us to do our best I started working at St. Jude in 2021 after applying

work and exhibit the St. Jude values.

for a position that seemed to be tailor-made for me. My responsibilities offer a unique way to

In November, I was promoted to Compliance Program

positively impact employees and the operations of

Administrator in Human Resources. My position is a wonderful

St. Jude, allowing us to continue our mission.

combination of Title IX administration, Affirmative Action Planning, remote work processing, and other compliance-

As the St. Jude Title IX Coordinator, I coordinate processes

related activities that allow St. Jude to operate successfully.

to prevent sexual discrimination and harassment, help investigate complaints, and address barriers to reporting.

I also enjoy volunteering. It’s a fun way to get to know people,

Specifically, I respond to reports of sexual harassment

gain insight into my community, and help others. I’ve been

and sexual discrimination affecting staff, faculty, and

a phone counselor for a crisis center hotline, usher at the

participants in our education programs and activities

Fox Theatre and the Civic Center in Atlanta, and assistant

(i.e., graduate students, postdocs, summer interns). It

at the summer state athletic games. Here in Memphis, I’m

is a position of trust that I consider to be a privilege as

involved in food distribution and several St. Jude events.”

I listen to concerns and offer supportive measures.

I love that St. Jude is such a mission-driven organization.

St. Jude is different from any place I have worked.

There is a positivity in the air that is tangible sometimes!

Employees are affirmed often and urged to understand how their work contributes to the St. Jude mission.

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DECEMBER 2024

Memphis institutions collaborate to ensure patients’ precious cargo arrives on time

BY MIKE O’KELLY

As the holiday shopping days dwindle, delivery drivers across the nation are busy ensuring packages reach their final destinations on time.

While these parcels carry a variety of seasonal treasures, some of these packages carry priceless cargo—lifesaving drugs for St. Jude patients.

The St. Jude Pharmacy team ships an estimated 800 packages a month to patients across the United States and the world. It’s important these therapies reach the recipients in time so that a patient’s treatment is not interrupted.

Nevonda Jackson, Tiffany Nason and Derrick Calhoun of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Most of those shipments are sent via FedEx, a longtime partner and supporter of St. Jude. In January 2024,

“This has improved our team’s visibility, but it has also helped

when a winter storm shut down transportation to

us provide additional comfort for our patients because they

and from Memphis, it appeared that a patient’s

know we are monitoring those packages throughout the day.

medication would not be delivered in time.

They know we are doing all we can to get those packages to them when they are supposed to be there,” Pate said.

“The FedEx team had told us that the depot was shutting down, and the likelihood of it being delivered

Some packages must be delivered in a timely fashion to

was pretty slim,” said Steve Pate, DPh, deputy

ensure the integrity of the drug. If this type of delay were

chief pharmaceutical officer, senior director.

to occur, St. Jude would now receive the package to ensure it’s still able to be shipped and provide effective therapy.

That’s when a FedEx employee took the initiative to track down the package and ensure it was delivered on time.

“We are delivering lifesaving medications and many of

While the delivery was a success, it revealed an opportunity

them cost thousands of dollars, so it is vitally important

to improve the process and enhance the collaboration

for us to make sure that patients receive them to

between the two Memphis-based institutions.

continue their therapy, and that we are doing everything we can to be good financial stewards,” Pate said.

The result was a new internal digital system for FedEx that now ensures that St. Jude pharmacists know the whereabouts of each package in real time. If a potential delay arises, pharmacists are able to contact patients to let them know.

DECEMBER 2024

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Grad School twins share love of science

BY KERRY GOFF

St. Jude has many family members who become students and employees, but it’s rarer for those family members to come from the same zygote. National Twins Day is December 18 and there is reason to celebrate it.

Ashlyn and Taylor Bugbee are identical twins, and they embrace the benefits and confusions that come with their unique relationship.

Ashlyn is a PhD-track graduate student in immunology and virology, working with Steve Varga, PhD, St. Jude Graduate School dean and chair. Taylor is also a PhD-track graduate student with a focus on cancer biology and works

Ashlyn and Taylor Bugbee

with Stephen Mack, PhD, Developmental Neurobiology.

As kids, they were difficult to tell apart beyond a birth

They have been at the Graduate School since 2023.

mark on Taylor’s arm. In some pictures (especially when their parents went through a clothes-matching phase with

“We initially came to St. Jude for a symposium our

them), they were hard enough to tell apart that their mother

senior year in college and the resources and facilities

would reply, “I usually put Ashlyn on the right in pictures,

at St. Jude are unmatched,” Ashlyn said. “It was an

so Taylor is probably on the left.” The fact that even their

easy decision to apply to the graduate program, not

parents struggled to tell them apart was a source of humor.

only because of the unique resources provided, but the St. Jude mission was also an important factor.”

In high school they traveled in similar circles and people would make bets about who would make the highest grade

Both have an interest in research and problem

on a particular paper or exam, or who would get the highest

solving, which led them through their undergraduate

score on the ACT or SAT. “Our sibling ‘rivalry’ was all in good

education, where both received their Bachelor of

fun, but we definitely inspired each other to always do our

Science in Biology at Kansas State University.

best—and we usually scored the same.” Now in the St. Jude Graduate School, they offer even more support. “I will send

Their parents are both educators, so Ashlyn and Taylor

a paper or presentation over for Ashlyn to edit,” Taylor

come by academic inquiry with considerable support. “Our

said. “And she will do the same. We also study together.”

father is a high school biology teacher, and our mother is in special education. Our older sister was also in health

But identical twins aren’t necessarily identical.

sciences, and when she was in college, she really enjoyed

Taylor tends to be more outgoing and Ashlyn more

the research involved. It runs in the family,” Taylor said.

introverted, so they create a good balance.

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They have different focuses in their academic research, but their aim is similar: to continue research to help advance cures. The St. Jude mission is their mission.

“We worked hard, attended symposiums, did research and provided our findings at poster sessions,” Ashlyn said. “That desire and experience was key in how we made it here and how we move forward.”

DECEMBER 2024

DECEMBER 2024

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It’s in the cards: EMERGE helps spread holiday joy

BY MIKE O’KELLY

Members of EMERGE (Embracing Multiculturalism, an Employee Resource Group for Everyone) gathered December 12 for a festive event designed to spread holiday joy.

The drop-in event offered employees the opportunity to get creative and design heartfelt holiday greeting cards for recipients of the MIFA Meals on Wheels program. The program provides lunches for thousands of area seniors annually who are nutritionally at-risk and either frail, homebound or living with a disability.

Employees who gathered in the conference room in the Donald P. Pinkel, MD, Research Tower Conference Room wrote personal messages while also decorating their cards with seasonal stickers and a variety of colorful designs.

Cards were delivered to MIFA earlier this week and will be sent to recipients as they receive their meals in the coming days. This was the first time EMERGE has coordinated a volunteer event since its formation in late 2023.

“This was our first initiative, and we are looking forward to more opportunities,” said Kolanda Ackey, Global Pediatric Medicine, co-chair of the EMERGE community engagement/ volunteer committee. “While I am not the most creative person, I was able to tap into that creative side for a great cause in the spirit of the holidays and camaraderie with the EMERGE team and employees at St. Jude.”

EMERGE member proudly display their holiday card creations.