Patron saint of hopeless cases

What a surprise to find lots of St. Jude candles at the acupuncture clinic.
See the Extra for the words of the prayer.

Long ago in New York City I had an Irish Catholic friend named Donna. We sometimes talked about religion, but at the time I was a staunch atheist. One birthday, pulling my leg, she gifted me with a St. Jude medal on a chain, telling me I was a hopeless case. I wore it for a while. Then I lost it. Proof of my hopelessness, I often thought.

Nevertheless, Donna, I was not as hopeless as you feared. Now, as a Catholic, I go to daily mass and pray for the repose of your soul. 

Thank you, St. Jude.