RHS students visit St. Jude's in Memphis

By Staff
John Hicks FCT Staff Writer
The Russellville High School chapter of the Health Occupation Students of America recently traveled to Memphis, Tenn., to hand-deliver a fundraising check to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
This year, HOSA joined with the RHS Future Business Leaders of America in their effort to raise money for the hospital. HOSA and FBLA were able to raise more than $800 for the hospital.
The annual field trip to St. Jude's leaves a big impression on the students who participate, according to HOSA member Jessica Harrison.
"You'd think it would be a depressing event, but it's not," said Harrison. "The hospital is a bright and colorful place, and the staff is very friendly and happy. We toured the massive research labs that provide so much promise for the future."
This year's trip was very special, said Yolanda Sparks, HOSA sponsor.
"Last year, some of the students befriended a patient while he was there for chemotherapy treatments," said Sparks. "The students kept in touch with him by phone and e-mail, giving him support and encouragement.
"Having been scheduled for a return visit to St. Jude's the day after the HOSA field trip, he was able to convince his parents to drive him down from Kentucky a day early so he could see his acquaintances from Russellville again. The staff at St. Jude's thought it was appropriate for him to accept the check from our students on behalf of the hospital."
The hospital's operating costs are more than $1 million a day.
"After our visits to St. Jude's each year, we always come back determined to raise even more money next year," said Harrison. "It makes you more aware of the effect catastrophic diseases have on people. After a visit, you come away with the sense that the money is well spent."