‘GMA’ Gives Back: Michael Strahan Gets Candid About Work With St. Jude
The former NFL star volunteers his time to support the hospital’s mission.
— -- There’s nothing that brightens Michael Strahan’s day quite like the smile of one of the superstar patients at St. Jude Children's Hospital.
“St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a specialty hospital. It's the place where doctors send some of their most difficult patients because we have the highest survival rates for some of the most difficult cancers,” Richard Shadyac, the chief executive officer of ALSAC, St. Jude’s fundraising arm, told ABC News.
When a child is diagnosed with a dangerous disease, it’s a nightmare for any family, Strahan explained on “GMA,” but the heroes of St. Jude are ready for battle and stand with the family every step of the way. That includes the promise that families will never pay for treatment, travel, housing or food.
“The important thing is we want that family to focus on getting that child better. That's why we take care of everything here,” Shadyac said. “Volunteers and supporters literally operate St Jude Children's Hospital. It costs $2 million a day to run St. Jude Research Hospital and 75 percent of that money has to be raised.”
Strahan was blown away and became a spokesperson for St. Jude, volunteering his time and starring in public service announcements to support the hospital’s lifesaving mission.
See Behind the Scenes Video From Michael Strahan’s St. Jude’s Commercial!
There are so many ways to get involved and show your support for St. Jude, from nationwide races, to barbecues, to trike-a-thons for children of all ages. Click here to learn more.
In honor of Disney’s Summer of Service campaign, “Good Morning America” is showcasing organizations doing charitable work across the country. Click here to see Lara Spencer’s work with the Robin Hood Foundation’s Lemon-Aid program.
Disney, the parent company of ABC News, in partnership with Youth Service America, is calling on young change-makers to apply for a Summer of Service Award. Winners will receive a $1,000 award to assist them in continuing their good work and to help make a lasting, positive change in the world. Click here to learn more and apply by July 31.
