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Robert and Donna Worden Sharing Their Blessings
Robert Worden enjoys visiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital when he can, but it is doubtful any visit will be as memorable as his first. He walked in the front doors on February 4, 1962, the day the hospital was dedicated.
Eleven-year-old Robert and his parents had come to visit his aunts and cousins who lived across the street from the original hospital.
"I noticed a crowd of people and I wanted to see what was happening, so I asked my parents if I could go and they said yes," he said. "When I got there a nice man in a suit came over and asked me to go upstairs in the hospital and tell Mr. Thomas they were ready for him. I went up the stairs and knocked on the first door I came to and another nice man in a suit answered the door. I said, 'they told me to tell Mr. Thomas that we're ready for him.' " The man thanked him and said he would give Mr. Thomas the message.
A little later, Robert watched Danny Thomas cut the ceremonial ribbon to open St. Jude. Many years later Leslie Davidson, an ALSAC Senior Philanthropic Advisor, presented Robert with a photograph of the historic day as a souvenir. He took one look at it and spied a boy peering over the shoulder of a policeman. "It was me; Leslie didn't even realize I was in the picture."
Many years would pass before Robert's second visit to St. Jude. He served in the military, graduated from the University of Tennessee Martin and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, married, got divorced, and eventually married Donna, his wife of 25 years. "Ministers don't make much money so there was never much left to give away," he recalled. But shortly after marrying Donna he had the opportunity to work as an operator for GAF (now ISP), a chemical plant, where he is now a supervisor. The couple lived modestly and were able to start saving money.
When his father died in 1999, Robert wanted to donate some of his inheritance as an expression of appreciation for all his father had done for him. He immediately thought of St. Jude. "Being there when it opened was one reason, and I also knew several children who had been patients there through my church work." Now he and Donna give part of any extra money they have to St. Jude throughout the year, and each spring donate a portion of their income tax refund.
As the couple's savings grew, they began to consider estate planning. They drew up their will, power of attorney, and living will.
"We've made sure some of our estate will go to my son, niece and nephew, but we also want to give part of it back to God because of what He has given us," Robert said. "I firmly believe that the Lord led Danny Thomas to build St. Jude, and he has led us to help carry on that legacy."
He said he encourages others to also talk with their families about including St. Jude in their estate plans. "We sing the praises of St. Jude because we have seen how everyone there is treated with respect, love and care."
The couple enjoys traveling to St. Jude from their home in Paducah, Ky., particularly for events such as the Danny Thomas – St. Jude Society Luncheon and the Stanford St. Jude Championship golf tournament.
"We love to listen to the progress and advancements from the people who make them happen . . . and to hear from patients and families about how they have been helped." He added that he wishes more people realized how quickly St. Jude shares breakthroughs with others.
"In giving to St. Jude, you are making a contribution that will affect so many people across the world, and possibly even benefit yourself in the future." "Everyone needs to visit St. Jude. I think often people are reluctant to visit because they think they will be depressed, but they will be uplifted by the hope, promise and joy that they will find there."
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