ALSAC is the largest healthcare-related charity in the United States. Founded in 1957 by Danny Thomas, ALSAC's sole mission is to raise the funds and awareness needed to operate and maintain St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of the founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family's ability to pay.