ST. JUDE RECEIVES $1.8 MILLION ESTATE GIFT

St. Jude Medical Center is the grateful recipient of a $1.8 million estate gift from longtime donor and friend Karen Stokx. The remarkable gift highlights a long history of philanthropic support to the hospital from Mrs. Stokx, who passed away in January 2017.

A portion of Mrs. Stokx's estate gift will be used to purchase a third da Vinci robot for St. Jude, allowing the hospital to serve a growing volume of robotic surgery patients and enabling more patients to reap the benefits of minimally invasive robotic-assisted procedures, such as shorter recovery time and reduced hospital length of stay.

"The philanthropic support of our patients and community allows St. Jude to stay at the forefront of surgical expertise and technology," says Daniel Oh, MD, medical director of the St. Jude Center for Thoracic and Esophageal Diseases. "We are incredibly grateful to Mrs. Stokx. Her gift will ultimately help thousands of patients receive surgery with the most advanced technology available and recover more quickly to return home sooner to their loved ones."

St. Jude Medical Center's robotic surgery program was recently designated as an Epicenter and Case Observation Site-one of only a handful in the nation-by Intuitive Surgical, maker of the da Vinci Surgical System. The national designation recognizes St. Jude's highly experienced surgeons, dedicated robotic surgical team, and exceptional outcomes.

A friend to the hospital since 2006, Mrs. Stokx was a regular supporter of St. Jude's Care for the Poor program, which increases access to healthcare and wellness services for underserved populations. She also made gifts to St. Jude's Northwest Tower Building Campaign and "where the need is greatest," providing the hospital flexibility to serve the changing needs of patients and the community over time.

In recognition of Mrs. Stokx's gift, St. Jude will be naming the St. Jude Sunnycrest Family Practice reception area in her honor.

"When someone leaves a gift to St. Jude in their will, it speaks volumes to their philanthropic spirit and their gratitude to the hospital," says Susan B. Smith, vice president of philanthropy, St. Jude Medical Center. "Mrs. Stokx leaves behind a legacy of caring that will live on in the countless lives touched by her generosity."

Leave a Legacy of Your Own

There are many ways to support quality care in our community with a gift. To learn more, contact St. Jude Memorial Foundation at 714-992-3033.