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Health Care

St. Jude’s Unspent Billions

Behind the Hospital’s Claims to Donors

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital raises more money than any health charity in the country. It promises no family will receive a bill. That’s not the full story.

Impact of Our Reporting
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St. Jude’s Unspent Billions

St. Jude Hoards Billions While Many of Its Families Drain Their Savings

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital promises not to bill families. But the cost of having a child at the hospital for cancer care leaves some families so strapped for money that parents share tips on spending nights in the parking lot.

by David Armstrong and Ryan Gabrielson,

2 stories published since 2022

St. Jude Stashed Away $886 Million in Unspent Revenue Last Year

by David Armstrong and Ryan Gabrielson,

St. Jude Fights Donors’ Families in Court for Share of Estates

by David Armstrong and Ryan Gabrielson,

What We’re Watching

During Donald Trump’s second presidency, ProPublica will focus on the areas most in need of scrutiny. Here are some of the issues our reporters will be watching — and how to get in touch with them securely.

Learn more about our reporting team. We will continue to share our areas of interest as the news develops.

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Sharon Lerner

I cover health and the environment and the agencies that govern them, including the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Andy Kroll

I cover justice and the rule of law, including the Justice Department, U.S. attorneys and the courts.

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Melissa Sanchez

I report on immigration and labor, and I am based in Chicago.

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Jesse Coburn

I cover housing and transportation, including the companies working in those fields and the regulators overseeing them.

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