Christmas music and cheers filled the halls of Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia recently as listeners and viewers of local iHeart Media radio stations and WRDW generously supported patients and families for the 24th consecutive year.
In the end, the community pledged $255,612 to support Wellstar Children’s.
iHeart Media donated 72 hours of airtime to the cause while three of its local radio stations – WBBQ 104.3, 96.3 Kiss FM, and 105.7 The Bull – and WRDW News 12/NBC 26 broadcast live from a conference room in the hospital.
“The Children’s Hospital could not survive without the support of the community. I’m just so grateful for everyone’s support,” said Dr. Valera Hudson, Pediatrician-in-Chief of Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia. “No children’s hospital thrives without philanthropy; 100% of the money that’s raised is used directly to help the children we take care of here. All of the funds stay right here at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia.”
Wellstar Children’s is a not-for-profit hospital with specialists that can care for pediatric patients with a wide range of conditions, including the most complex conditions.
Some of the patients who have been treated at Children’s shared their stories with DJs and reporters throughout Radiothon.
For example, 9-year-old Kensley Woodberry began developing spots on her hands and feet that became so painful, she could no longer walk. She stopped eating and refused to play. A team of specialists at the Children’s Hospital diagnosed her with juvenile dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own muscles and causes inflammation throughout the body.
This summer, Kensley attended Camp Joint Venture, a summer camp for children with rheumatic conditions. It gives kids like Kelsey the opportunity to enjoy the summer camp experience with kids like herself who are living with similar conditions, while a team of medical personnel is nearby in case, they are needed. The camp is one of several summer camps funded through Radiothon.
Radiothon also allows for purchases of comfort items like Zaky Hugs, which mimics the warmth and security of a parent’s touch for babies in the NICU; red wagons for transporting young patients around the hospital; and sensory toys for children with autism. These are only a few of the items that bring joy, comfort, or care to young patients that the hospital could not purchase without community support.
Though Radiothon has concluded, donations can be made throughout the year by calling 706-721-4004, by emailing Catherine Stewart, director of Philanthropy for the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, or through the Cares for Kids Radiothon website.
