Country newcomers Dan + Shay had their St. Jude baptism in January during the 25th annual Country Cares seminar. Hundreds of radio and country music industry personnel join a few dozen artists and label representatives each year to learn about the latest in care and research at the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Then, they get to meet some of the patients.

One teenager named Shelby made a big impression on the '19 You + Me' singers.

Shay Mooney explains that Shelby is 17 years old, so they were able to relate to her on some levels. They talked about normal things, like her boyfriend and common interests. It was obviously a difficult time in her life, but neither he nor Dan Smyers walked away sad.

“It was just a happy place," Mooney tells Taste of Country while Smyers nods on. "For such a terrible thing to happen to those kids, it was an amazing place of hope.”

Like the other artists who visited in 2014 and the hundreds of others who -- along with country radio -- have helped raise more than $500 million for St. Jude since 1989, Dan + Shay toured the facility and experienced the living areas, research facilities and all places in between. It was inspiring.

“You see this and it’s just tugging at your heart, like, ‘Man I gotta help with this anyway I can!’” the singer adds.

On March 6 and 7, Taste of Country is pressing pause in an effort to raise money for St. Jude. For 25 years, country radio, artists and record labels have helped raise more than $500 million, ensuring that no one ever pays a dime for treatment at St. Jude.

“No child should die in the dawn of life,” founder Danny Thomas once said. Help make that wish a reality by making a donation or becoming a Partner in Hope when you click the button below. Donations can be made by phone at 800-411-9898.

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