Fifty years ago, the chances that a child would survive his or her cancer diagnosis was about 20 percent. Today, that survival rate is about 80 percent, thanks, in part, to treatments developed at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

About 7,800 active patients are seen at St. Jude yearly, most of whom are treated on a continuing outpatient basis as part of ongoing research programs. St. Jude has treated children from all 50 states and from around the world.

Patients at St. Jude are referred by a physician, and nearly all have a disease currently under study and are eligible for a clinical trial.

And miraculously, families whose child is a patient at St. Jude never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food.

According to the hospital, “all a family should worry about is helping their child live.”

That’s why fundraisers like Saddle Up for St. Jude, hosted by the Elkins Creek Horse Club, are vital to ensure families can continue to put their energy in caring for their children.

This year marks the sixth year for the event, at the Elkins Creek Horse Camp, and the group has raised nearly $42,000 for the hospital.

The event starts at 2 p.m. on June 11-12. There will be a horse show, auction and fun show.

You don’t have to be an accomplished horseback rider to attend the event. Everyone is welcome and every penny raised will go towards life-saving research.