Our Smiles for Kids With Cancer project works to bring a copy of David Saltzman’s The Jester Has Lost His Jingle and a Jester & Pharley Doll to each of the 15,000 children expected to be diagnosed with cancer in the United States each year.
We have developed a valuable network of partners at all 200 Children’s Oncology Group hospitals, university medical centers and other cancer centers nationwide as well as with over 200 other medical centers, clinics and pediatric cancer-support organizations.
Your support makes it possible for child life staff and social workers to give each newly diagnosed pediatric cancer patient a gift copy of the Jester book and doll.
The message of hope and laughter found in David’s award-winning book has been lifting the spirits of children with cancer since the book’s release in late 1995.
“One patient I gave The Jester to was an 8-year-old boy battling acute lymphoid leukemia. I came back in the afternoon to see if he and his mother had a chance to read the book. They both smiled and said how much they enjoyed it. The patient’s mother explained how much of a difference laughter makes in their day-to-day coping and this book served as a friendly reminder. I cannot wait to continue to give these books to our patients and see the joy they bring.”
Brittany Horden, Child Life Specialist, Edinburg Children’s Hospital, Edinburg, TX
Kerri Arvidson, Child Life Specialist, Loyola University Medical Center Children’s Hospital, Maywood, IL
A New St. Jude Family, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
See How The Jester Helps
Kids Cope With Cancer
We welcome donations of any amount to bring
The Jester’s smile to children with cancer. Donations
may be made as a tribute to a loved one and may
be designated for a pediatric oncology center in your community.