x
Breaking News
More () »

5-year-old St. Jude cancer patient honored at FedEx Purple Eagle Ceremony

Riley was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when he was just 18-months-old. His name was placed on a FedEx feeder fleet.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As many gear up for the first day of the 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship Wednesday, there's one event hosted by FedEx and St. Jude that is winning hearts.

The 10th annual FedEx Purple Eagle Ceremony was held Wednesday, August 10 at TPC Southwind, honoring five-year-old St. Jude patient, Riley. 

Every year, the Purple Eagle Ceremony recognizes one St. Jude cancer patient who is either the child or grandchild of a FedEx team member.  

Riley was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when he was just 18-months-old. Riley's serious diagnosis was a challenge, but he has now been free from treatment for more than a year, St. Jude said. 

RELATED: 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship kicks off by honoring St. Jude patients

Riley's grandmother, Kim, has been a FedEx employee for 33 years, and she currently works as a contract transportation dispatcher. 

Riley's name was placed on a FedEx feeder fleet, making him the 10th St. Jude patient to have their name on a FedEx plane.

Vice president of supplemental aircraft operations at FedEx Express said, "The only named feeder planes in our fleet are the ones that are part of the Purple Eagle program. These planes are special and help us spread the word about the amazing work being done by St. Jude as it celebrates its 60th year."

According to St. Jude, The FedEx Purple Eagle Ceremony spreads awareness about St. Jude and its fight against cancer, making the hospital steps closer to its goal.

RELATED: Ahead of FedEx St. Jude Championship, PGA Tour says players knew consequences of joining Saudi-backed LIV Golf

"For nearly four decades, FedEx leadership, employees and golf fans have supported the lifesaving mission of St. Jude through the tournament now known as the FedEx St. Jude Championship. We couldn't be more thankful for their ongoing support, which is crucial to advancing the $12.9 billion six-year St. Jude strategic plan aimed at impacting more of the 400,000 kids with cancer around the globe," Richard C. Shadyac Jr., president and CEO of ALSAC said.

St. Jude said all nine children who were previously honored attended the ceremony.

Click here to purchase tickets to the championship games.

10th Anniversary of The Purple Eagle Ceremony

Today marks the 10th Anniversary of the Purple Eagle Ceremony! ✈️ A tradition at the PGA TOUR stop in Memphis, Purple Eagle is a staple of the local championship that honors a St. Jude Children's Research Hospital patient & their family. Thank you, FedEx for continuing this special day! ❤️

Posted by FedEx St. Jude Championship on Wednesday, August 10, 2022


Before You Leave, Check This Out