MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – Brooks Koepkawon the World Golf Championships – FedEx St. Jude Invitational, but the realwinners are the hundreds of patients who will benefit from donations raisedthis weekend.
A couple who opens their home to friends andSt. Jude Children’s Hospital donors raised over $1 million.
“They’re so appreciative, but they need usso much,” said Dan Mullally, who is FedEx’s Senior Vice President ofSales. “Even though we’ve improved the cure rate so well, we still havechildren that are in trouble.”
Dan and his wife Shirley Mullally began hostingSt. Jude fundraising parties in 2009. Attendees to the party got a front viewof TPC Southwind’s 18th hole.
“This year we’re going to announce thatthey’ve exceeded more than $1 million raised through this event, and it helpsensure that no family will ever receive a bill from St. Jude,” shared RickShadyac, President and CEO of ALSAC.
Mullally says they’re blessed to be able togive back.
“You see the progress they make, andthey’re walking around the house and meeting people and they’re hugging,”said Mullally. “You’re just like my money is being put to good use.”
He’s known Allie Allen, who has brain cancer,since she was 10.
“They found a new type of brain cancer,and that’s what I currently have right now,” said Allen. “Since St.Jude is so awesome, I’m still here and I’m celebrating every day that I’malive.”
She credits families like the Mullallys fortheir commitment to St. Jude.
“We give thanks to the donors, becausethey’re the reason why St. Jude is able to save so may lives, just likemine,” said Allen.