St. Jude Medical Foundation
proudly supports these organizations
St. Jude Medical (SJM) Foundation is proud to support organizations whose missions are to promote health awareness and advance the state of medical knowledge through education, research and training. Three examples are detailed below.
The Minneapolis Heart Institute (MHI) Foundation’s mission is to promote and improve cardiovascular health, quality of life and longevity for all. Founded in 1982 by a group of physicians, the MHI Foundation has blossomed into a leading center for cardiovascular research and education. Today, MHI Foundation is involved in a wide variety of activities to create a world without heart disease. Some highlights of their great work include researching 150 active medical studies, leading the way on adult stem-cell therapy, and reducing heart attach mortality rates by 50% statewide with an innovative and collaborative new heart attack protocol, which is now being exported to states around the country. In addition, MHI Foundation is also working with kids and parents to establish heart-healthy behaviors in young people, providing physicians, nurses, EMTs and other health care professionals around the world with the latest information about saving the lives of cardiovascular patients, and empowering patients by giving them the knowledge they need to manage their own heart health.
Camp Odayin is a place where kids play, worries rest, and fun happens. Camp Odayin provides residential, day and family camp experiences as well as support opportunities for children with heart disease and their families. Campers discover outdoor, athletic and creative activities in a safe and medically supervised environment. Fully staffed by volunteer counselors, nurses and doctors, campers are able to experience summer camp and foster life long relationships among youth who share similar health, emotional and social concerns. The only cost for a camper to attend is a $25 registration fee. Camp Odayin is a nonprofit organization that relies on the support of foundations, businesses, individuals and fundraisers. Generous support from organizations including St. Jude Medical Foundation have helped fund this life changing experience for many children.
St. Jude Medical (SJM) Foundation has partnered with the University of Minnesota to create The M.A.G.I.C. (Maroon And Gold In the Community) Pass program. The funding provided by SJM Foundation has allowed the University to provide opportunities and transportation via the M.A.G.I.C. Bus for Twin Cities area youth to attend mini health clinics at the U of M campus. Student-athletes teach the youngsters about living and eating healthy and the importance of exercise. The student-athletes also visit classrooms at area elementary and middle schools to teach the students various math and science focused experiments, and help the students set educational and healthy living goals. In 2009, the University was also able to expand the education base for the “Exercise your Heart and Mind” campaign, which encourages children to exercise to keep both heart and mind healthy. In 2009, the M.A.G.I.C. program had over 400 outreach events and the number is increasing every year.