For many, their nightmares began simply. A child’s fever that wouldn’t break. A toddler’s cold that wouldn’t go away. A teen’s headache that wouldn’t stop.

Doctor visits were followed by tests. Then the waiting; thinking it’s something simple. But a small shadow was building in their minds.

And then, the doctor says the words they didn't want to hear: "Your child has cancer."

It’s every parents’ worst nightmare.

Five families will share such stories on NBC's TODAY show Thanksgiving week, November 19 - 23. And they’ll also share the hope they discovered at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Hope that exists because of people like you.

These inspiring tales of courage and strength kick off the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign.

Thanks and Giving is a holiday campaign that unites shoppers, celebrities and national corporate partners to help find cures and save children with cancer and other deadly diseases.

Join Marlo Thomas and the TODAY show each day. Hear the stories, share the hope and get inspired this holiday season to make a difference in the lives of children everywhere.