Happy Wednesday, friends!
You guys, I am SO very excited because TODAY IS ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL® DAY!!!!
Today is the day we do BIG THINGS for childrens cancer research!
For the FIFTH YEAR in a row, Sheaffer and I are once again so excited to celebrate YOU (our amazing blog readers!), and we’re also going to try and raise EVEN MORE MONEY FOR CHILDRENS CANCER RESEARCH!
If you’re new around here, let me explain (if you’re not new, KEEP READING, we’re shaking things up a bit!)….
Eleven years ago, Sheaffer and I decided to team up and give a great big thanks to YOU our readers for being so sweet, so kind, so loyal and so wonderful to us all year long. It’s an opportunity for us to celebrate this community and show our appreciation for being with us all year long. Four years ago though, we decided to make this event EPIC and while still celebrating all of you, we also all came together and raised $79,493 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®!
The feedback was SO AMAZING from all of you that we decided to keep it up and over the last four years and this community alone was raised…
for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®!
Read that number again!
Together, we have all raised $208,272.12 for St. Jude!
In my 18+ years of blogging, this is truly the most important thing we’ve done together as a community. It honors and humbles me every single time I think about it. Sheaffer and I absolutely love helping the amazing families who need St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, so this year, we’re back for our FIFTH YEAR OF FABULOUSNESS with…
Let me just take a second to remind you about this amazing place: The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.
The St. Jude purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.
Not only that, but treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since it opened more than 50 years ago. So not only are children being treated for free, they are actually receiving the absolute best care possible. And St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.
How AMAZING is that?!
Here’s how it’s going to work this year (BUT KEEP READING!)…
Sheaffer and I are giving away one Gucci Giglio Small Tote Bag to one generous donor (a prize valued at over $1800). The random name selected will be announced here on our blogs Friday, December 5th.
This year, though, here’s the twist…we would love 5,000 of you to donate $10 each…
You guys, I am so grateful that you come and visit my website every day. I am so very grateful. I see the numbers, I know exactly how many people are stopping by each day (and Sheaffer knows how many are stopping by her site too!), and it’s EXPONENTIALLY MORE THAN 5,000 PEOPLE. In the past, we’ve always set a high bar and multiple different amounts have come in, but this year, we really want to hit that $50,000 (or more!) mark, and it will only take a little from a few of you to do it. If you want to donate more, AMAZING! We would love that, but if you want to just skip that Starbucks today and donate your $10 instead, we will come together and EASILY raise this money for the families at St. Jude.
So many influencers have “paywalls” these days, but Sheaffer and I offer FREE content all year long. In 2025 alone, I’ve shared over 500 free blog posts (because I love what I do and am always thankful you stop by), so how cool would it be if you donated $10 today to St. Jude as a way to help these families as a member of this free community? Just $10 is all we need to do AMAZING things for St. Jude.
Okay but how does this Gucci bag fit in with St. Jude?
Donating to St. Jude via this link will give you THE chance to be the lucky recipient of our Giveaway.
One lucky lady is going to get a BAG, and ST. JUDE families are going to benefit greatly from all of YOUR generosity.
1. Go HERE and make a minimum $10 secure donation on our St. Jude donation page by tomorrow night (Thursday, December 4th) at 8:00 p.m. CST.
2. Our contact at St. Jude will choose a random name from all of the donations (made via this link) that are $10 or greater, and we will announce the recipient on Friday’s blog post at 5:00 AM CST.
3. If you make a donation over $10, our contact at St. Jude can separate it out so it will enter your name multiple times (for example, if you donate $100, they will enter your name 10 times).
We are only asking for a small portion of you to donate $10. That’s it. Only 5,000 amazing blog readers need to donate $10 for us to raise $50,000 for St. Jude. (But just imagine if ALL of you donated $10, how amazing would that be?!)
When you visit THIS LINK, you’ll see donation buttons for $30 and up, but there is also an “OTHER” button. The OTHER button can be used to for donations starting at just $10.
Ten dollars is the minimum donation that the page will accept, and every single donation will be so appreciated! In order to have a chance to be the lucky recipient of our prize, your donation needs to be made by 8:00 p.m. CST on Thursday, December 4th.
Over the years, we’ve heard from several of you that your employers are matching your donation. If you think that’s the case with your employer too, please ask!
We are raising money for precious kiddos…
In the U.S., 4 out of 5 children survive cancer. The opposite is true in low-middle income countries where the statistic is reversed and only 1 out of 5 children diagnosed with cancer will survive.
If you don’t already know, the St. Jude Global Alliance is a global network pursuing the shared vision of improving care and increasing survival rates for children with cancer and blood disorders WORLDWIDE. This is so incredibly important because the most significant predictor of whether a child will survive cancer is where the child lives. Isn’t that heartbreaking?
St. Jude has pledged to invest more than $30 million per year into global programs to share knowledge and technology. Click HERE to watch a video full of information about this new global initiative.
Together, we can help other kiddos beat cancer just like Lilly did!
I always love to share this graphic to really illustrate how St. Jude is truly changing the lives of children with pediatric cancers…
…look at those amounts! A donation of $250, for example, helps provide a meal card for a St. Jude family for one week. These donations matter! They are helping these patients and their families in every possible way.
This holiday season, let’s all give thanks for the healthy kids in our lives and help those families who have HUGE burdens right now caring for their sick children. I hope you take a minute to watch THIS VIDEO HERE as you consider making a donation this year.
Let’s do this! If we can get at least 5,000 of you just to give $10 (or more!), we can raise at least $50,000 for St. Jude.
They are CHANGING LIVES at St. Jude! Don’t we want to be a part of that?!
Let’s celebrate the season–and you amazing readers– while also blessing these precious kids and their families too!
Don’t forget, donate through THIS LINK HERE before 8:00 PM CST tomorrow night (Thursday, December 4th) to be a part of our FABULOUS FUNDRAISER!
God bless you ALL as you join us in raising money for St. Jude.
Thank you so very much. xx
Elspeth Mizner says
What a great idea! I’ll be donating!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you!!!
Diane Moore says
Thank you for doing this every year. It’s a good reminder of a good cause.
Kelly Sites says
DONE. what a great cause. And thank you so so much for years and years and years of great blog content that enriches my life. THANK YOU. Let’s do this.
Mary says
Thank you for doing this! And thank you for providing comment all year. You are a blessing to your community as is St Jude!
Barbara A. says
Hi from Canada, Are Canadians able to join this fundraiser? St. Jude is one of our regular charities for the year. Best regards, Barbara A.
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!! Absolutely!
Emi says
Such an amazing organization!! I donate every year, so this is perfect. Also, I love that you can pay by PayPal. So many organizations do not allow you to do so.
Merry Christmas!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU for donating!
Libby says
I love that y’all are fundraising, I just wish the money was staying in TX. Living in Houston, we have MD Anderson & TCH here that fundraise. I also know that Scottish Rite in Dallas & Shriners Children’s Hospitals in Galveston fundraise too. Wishing you all the best on your efforts.
Mix and Match Mama says
As much as I love my home state and the amazing hospitals we have, my community reaches far greater than just Texas. The work they’re doing at St. Jude is something we can all support no matter where we’re from.
Kathy says
I pray that altogether we surpass the $50K goal!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Me too, me too!!
Susan says
done, Love that you do this year after year. breaking it down to even the little bit helps makes it accessible to so many more to see that even a small donation can have a big impact together. THANKS for all the joy you bring to us!
Sheaffer Sims says
YESSS! Let’s GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I’m so excited!!!!!
Ann says
Such a great cause!
Dana Powell says
That was so easy! I didn’t know that you could do apple pay through your computer by scanning a code with your phone. So cool.
Thank you for doing this, Shay. As a mom, it’s so hard to look at childhood cancer and realize that people really do go through it. I’m so thankful for St Jude’s. I have a friend whose baby niece is there right now and their family is going through so much. They have nothing but praise for how St Jude’s has been caring for them and helping them get their baby through this. Praise God for St Jude’s!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU so much for donating. I am just so sorry your friend’s niece is dealing with this right now, but I am so happy they are being treated at St. Jude.
Melissa Terry says
Thanks for giving us an easy way to give to this amazing cause! Love this every year xo
Kelli Moss says
Love this day and what the power of a group of generous people can accomplish! Thanks for hosting it 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
AMEN!!!!
Karleigh Johnson says
Done! Thanks Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much for donating!!
Sarah DeWald says
So exciting to be a part of this community!
Carly says
Love this idea every year Shay! $50k here we come!!
Paula Hobbs says
I love this so much!!!
Caitlyn Blalock says
Donated!!! Thank you Shay! What an incredible cause to be a part of this Christmas season!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU so much for donating!
Faith Kapp says
I love that you raise money for this cause. I know of many families who have had a child diagnosed with cancer. One young man from our church was diagnosed on his birthday weekend several years ago. He is cancer free although there were moments they thought he would not make it. Thank you for allowing us to be part of this!
Debbie Schultz says
LOVE this so much. Donation made! 🙂 THANK you for hosting this event!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so very much!!
Mary Zilhaver says
I love this so much! I have donated this morning.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank YOU!
lee ann vicary says
I follow you both and I appreciate you both for your wonderful content. So, I am going to both of your links to donate from each of them. In case you all have a winner buys lunch secret bet going on.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU so very much for donating!!!
Jess W says
St. Jude is such a great cause and I love that you and Sheaffer have continued the tradition of raising money for them!
Nancy King says
Done. Thank you for ALL you do1
Mix and Match Mama says
THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Katie Hahn says
I will be donating today. THANK YOU for all that you do!
Mix and Match Mama says
THANK YOU!!!!
Erika Slaughter says
DONATION MADE!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU, friend! xx
Amy L Timm says
Love that you do this, and how small donations really add up!
Beverly says
I run a non profit that supports children fighting cancer at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, St Christofer’s Hospital for Children, the ronald McDonald Foundation for families of sick children being treated at Philadelphia Hospitals, and Neumours School for Neurodivergent Learners. Lucy Belle’s Rainbow is an initiative to bring the power of art and art therapy to children in cancer treatment.
Our mission is to provide a swag bag of art supplies to every child both in and outpatient at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and other local hospitals.
We believe in the power of art and art therapy to help children and their families cope with the stresses of life in and out of the hospital.
We are constantly inspired by the courage and strength of Lucy Belle Perkins. Lucy loved art and it helped her tremendously during her own treatment for an aggressive brain tumor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHaEeL6L9ro
Check out our website: http://www.lucybellesrainbow.org
Maddie Giamello says
DONE!! Thank you so much for doing this fundraiser every year!!! It’s such a wonderful cause. And thank you for all of the posts throughout the year! You brighten our day so much and donating to this worthy cause is the least we can do!! So excited to see how much is raised this year!!
Mix and Match Mama says
THANK YOU so much for donating!! xx
Bren says
Always love this special post each holiday season and what the two of you do, Shay & Sheaffer. Blessings to both of you! ❤️
Jenny N says
I love that you both do this every year! Donation made!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much!
Julie Lienemann says
I just love that you do this every year and make it so easy for us to contribute! Merry Christmas!
Courtney says
I’ve been waiting until you shared this post to make my annual donation. Donation made! I love that you and Sheaffer do this annually – and every year it gets bigger and bigger. What a Godly reach you all have. Praying this is your biggest year yet. <3
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU so much! I am just so humbled by your words and generosity. Thank you for being a part of this community, Courtney!
Kay says
Just donated-thank you so much for doing this each year! It is totally in the spirit of the holidays.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU so much, Kay! I am so appreciative!
Kara says
Done!! I hope we pass the goal for these kiddos!!
Laura Fouquier says
As I’m sitting in a hospital room with my husband hooked up to chemotherapy, how could I not give. Just this morning I got my donation card ready to send in. This makes it so much easier.
Thank you for doing this and promoting this incredible charity.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Laura, I am stopping to pray over you and your family right now. I am praying for your husband. Please please keep us posted on how he’s doing. I am so sorry you all are walking this road right now. God bless YOU.
Laura Fouquier says
I appreciate that Shay!
Stephanie says
Donation sent! I love this day of the year on your blog! Makes my heart happy to see so much generosity going to a great cause.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU so very much!! It makes my heart happy too!!
Yley Allen says
Thank you for doing this each year! Such a wonderful and worthy cause.
Sue Jones says
Thank you so much! I have donated!
Mix and Match Mama says
No, thank YOU so much!!!
Alisha says
Donated! Excited to see what a BIG number is this year!
Kristy says
I look forward to your blog and your positive energy you put out. Thanks for not putting up a paywall!
Beth Knecht says
I love your generous heart, Shay!
Sabrina says
Thank you for doing this and reminding us all how important it is to give back – especially during this season! I donated and cannot wait to see you reach the goal! Merry Christmas!
Betsy says
Thank you for doing this! My best friend/neighbor was diagnosed with Leukemia when we were 12 (which was 38 years ago). She spent time at St. Jude’s and sadly she didn’t make it. St. Jude’s is one of the charities we always donate to.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh goodness, I am just so sorry for your loss. Just so very sorry. We should not have to lose kids to cancer. Thank you so much for donating. xx
Yvonne says
Yay! I’ve been waiting for this day, I love this fundraiser! Thank you, thank you for doing this! I love it, just donated!!! 😁
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank YOU so very much!!
Jennifer Bethune says
Done! Such an amazing thing you are able to do with your platform to reach so many people to help! Have a Merry Christmas!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU so very much, Jennifer!