Rick and I just wrapped up an amazing 4 days in Memphis, Tennessee. We had the opportunity to participate in the Country Cares seminar for St. Jude. Here's our journey. 

Friday night several country stars came out of the woodwork to show their support for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. We broke bread with Big & Rich, Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum, and Trace Adkins. 

Trace Adkins
loading...

One thing we quickly learned about St. Jude, is that although they are located in Memphis, the research done at St. Jude benefits children all over the world. If your child was diagnosed with cancer tomorrow, whether they were sent to St. Jude or not, they would probably receive life saving treatment that was discovered at St. Jude. 

IMG_1772
loading...

On Saturday we had the chance to visit this amazing hospital. I was so touched by the inspiring art work on the walls. This piece, created by a teen with cancer, was one of my favorites. It shows what cancer can't do. It can't cripple love, it can't shatter hope, it can't corrode faith, it can't destroy peace, and it can't cripple the spirit. The entire time I was amazed at the strength of the children. They face painful treatments and sickness that I can't imagine facing and they all seem to go through it with such great attitudes. 

IMG_5753
loading...

We heard so many stories of hope and some of loss. One story that really touched me is the story of Dr. Jason Schwartz who was a pediatric patient at St. Jude in the mid 90's and now he works there as a Doctor! You can read his story HERE.

We also had the opportunity to here from Clare Bowen (a.k.a. Scarlett from ABC's hit Nashville). She spoke about battling cancer as a child in Australia and how, through discoveries at St. Jude, children have much greater survival rates today and they don't have to endure some of the horribly painful treatments that she had to struggle through. 

IMG_5791
loading...

On Saturday night, we received a real treat when Chris Young, Mac MacNally, Dan + Shay, and Randy Owen put on a special concert to show their love and support for St. Jude. 

IMG_5797
loading...

After the show we had to hit up the infamous "Beal Street!" We went to Silky O'Sullivan's, but didn't order the famous $20 bucket filled with just about everything in the house and 12 straws.

IMG_1816
loading...

Today we visited Graceland and learned some really cool history about Elvis. If you ever visit Memphis we'd totally recommend taking the tour. 

Elvis
loading...

In just a few weeks you get the opportunity to take part in our St. Jude journey. The one thing that really stuck with me as we walked away, is you never ever know when one day it will be your child who is affected by cancer.

More From 104.3 Wow Country