The annual iHeartMedia Cares for Kids Radiothon is a three-day event that brings the community together to support the Children's Hospital of Georgia. This year's radiothon, the 24th of its kind, aims to raise crucial funds to provide life-changing care and support for the more than 75,000 children who visit the hospital each year.
Empowering Families, Transforming Lives
Coale's Story: Overcoming Brittle Bone Disease
Coale, a young patient at the Children's Hospital of Georgia, was born with brittle bone disease, a condition that causes his bones to break easily, often with minimal or no apparent cause. At nearly 7 years old, Coale and his family continue to navigate the challenges of this condition, but they find solace in the exceptional care and support provided by the hospital."It's hard to put into words how thankful I was knowing that I could just drive down the street and get the care that I needed for Coale," says Rebecca Peace, Coale's mother. The hospital's resources, including access to x-rays, medical advice, and specialized equipment, have been a lifeline for the family, allowing them to manage Coale's condition and ensure he receives the best possible care.Donations Making a Tangible Difference
The Cares for Kids Radiothon provides an opportunity for the community to directly contribute to the well-being of children like Coale. As Catherine Steward, the director of philanthropy at the Children's Hospital of Georgia, explains, these donations have a profound impact, funding everything from programmatic enhancements that make the hospital experience more comfortable for young patients to equipment upgrades and cutting-edge research.Rebecca Peace has witnessed firsthand the difference these donations can make. During Coale's physical therapy appointments, she observed the replacement of an old, worn-out ball pit with a brand-new one, a tangible example of how the radiothon's funds are directly improving the hospital's facilities and resources.A Legacy of Hope and Healing
The Cares for Kids Radiothon has a rich history, with Minnesota Fatz, an iHeart Media personality, having been a part of the event for over 15 years. Fatz's dedication to the cause is fueled by the profound impact he has witnessed, both in the lives of the young patients and their families."When I walk the floors of the children's hospital and I see those little kids, it just touches me and motivates me to continue what we have done in the past," Fatz shares. The radiothon's longevity, spanning 24 years, is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the community to support the Children's Hospital of Georgia and the families it serves.Every Donation Counts
Rebecca Peace emphasizes the importance of every contribution, no matter the size. "Some people don't give because they say they only have $1 or $5, but it's really those $1 and $5 dollars that add up," she says. This sentiment underscores the power of collective action, where small individual donations can collectively make a significant difference in the lives of the children and families who rely on the hospital's services.The Cares for Kids Radiothon is a shining example of how a community can come together to support a vital institution like the Children's Hospital of Georgia. Through the generosity of donors, the hospital can continue to provide exceptional care, cutting-edge treatments, and a nurturing environment for the thousands of children who seek its services each year. As the 24th annual radiothon approaches, the community is poised to once again demonstrate its unwavering commitment to the well-being of its youngest and most vulnerable members.