Radiothon raises nearly $100,000 for Hurley’s Children’s Hospital

FLINT, MI — A children’s hospital in Flint partnered with several local radio stations to raise $94,915 for its many services and programs that benefit young patients battling cancer and other illnesses.

The first and annual “Let’s Make Miracles” radiothon event for Hurley’s Children’s Hospital raised $94,915, with the help of radio stations CARS 108, Club 93.7, Banana 101.5, US 103.1 and 1470 WFNT. The event took place on Oct. 8-9 and was broadcast directly from the studios of Townsquare Media in Burton.

During the event, station talent shared heart-warming stories with Mid-Michigan families about their experiences at Hurley Children’s Hospital. In addition, three Dort Financial Credit Union employees shared their stories about the excellent care they received at Hurley Children’s Hospital and the lasting impact it made on their families’ lives, according to a Dort Financial Credit Union press release.

Proceeds from the event will fund services and programs at the hospital such as the Child Life Program. The hospital plans to purchase virtual reality goggles that help children focus on fun things while they’re in their hospital bed. They can watch movies, ride roller coasters, play games and more, according to officials with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

“Our Child Life Specialists use distraction toys in various pediatric areas of the hospital including the Pediatric Emergency Department. What looks like “play” is actually a technique that these Specialists use to help calm a child in a stressful situation and explain in advance what medical procedure is about to take place.” said Linda Tracy-Stephens, director for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Funds from the radiothon may also be used to fulfill requests for equipment from the Pediatric/Pediatric Intensive Care Units, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic, added Tracy-Stephens.

“Dort Financial Credit Union is thrilled to be the presenting sponsor of this amazing event. Townsquare Media listeners and community members who donated through the radiothon inspire us all,” said Laura Nestor, director of marketing at Dort Financial Credit Union. “Kids are incredibly different in the treatment and care they need and providing that care wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community,”

Donors to the “Let’s Make Miracles” radiothon also funded “end of inpatient treatment parties for pediatric cancer patients.” The last time a child battling cancer has their inpatient treatment is cause for celebration! These parties are certainly memory-making moments, according to CMN officials.

“The amount of money donated is overwhelming!” exclaimed Tracy-Stephens, director for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Brooklyn Sondgeroth, assistant director for CMN Program, echoed the same sentiments. She said, the money raised will help “countless children and their families.”

Hurley Children’s Hospital is one of only four CMN hospitals in Michigan and one of 170 across the United States and Canada, according to the press release.

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