Miracle for Kids Radiothon running until Friday

The Miracle for Kids Radiothon has funded several pieces of hospital equipment.

By Joey Soto

Published Sept. 26, 2008

Cheers will erupt the instant any of the 14 phones ring in the lobby of University Hospital until 6 p.m. today.

Thursday marked the second day of the hospital's three-day radiothon. The Children's Hospital partnered with Zimmer Radio Group, among other sponsors, for the Miracle for Kids Radiothon.

In order to maximize its sphere of influence, the Zimmer Radio Group has four diverse radio stations broadcasting the event.

Neonatologist John Pardalos said he thinks this is the best way to reach the most people.

"Not everyone is listening to the same type of music or station, so it's nice we're on multiple radio stations," Pardalos said. "No matter what people listen to, they're able to hear our message."

Each station broadcasts from the lobby of University Hospital from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Patients, families and doctors are interviewed throughout the day on several stations to spread the message.

Cindy Brooks, manager of pediatric services, said patients are encouraged to share their stories on air.

"After they interview with the kids, the phones ring," Brooks said. "The kids are the best salespeople because they tell their stories better than anybody."

Brooks serves as one of the 14 phone attendants for the event. Every time the phone rings, everyone cheers and claps at the prospect of another generous donation, Brooks said.

The money raised from the fundraiser has been used on various items in the past. Three years ago, a pediatric transport unit was purchased from funds received from the Children's Miracle Network.

Since its purchase, the device has been used on nearly 700 patients. The unit has a variety of diverse features that make it an integral piece of equipment in ambulances and helicopters, Pardalos said.

In addition to the pediatric transport unit, Brooks said the funds from the radiothon would be used for various other items.

"We're shopping for sleeping chairs and toys for our play room," Brooks said. "We also use some of the money to celebrate patients' last day of chemotherapy, their birthday and their ability to go home."

DJs Cosmo and JC from Y107 have been on air together for nearly seven years. Of those seven years, they've been doing charity work for five or six years, Cosmo said.

Both Cosmo and JC enjoy being on air, but they said they see a special importance of helping with events like the radiothon.

"Normally on our show, we're having fun, we're goofing, we're joking, we're talking pop-culture and movies," Cosmo said. "This is our chance to take the power of our signal and use it for good."

JC said he sees dual benefits from charity work.

"It's a lot more work, but certainly more rewarding," JC said. "You learn a lot about yourself and you learn a lot about the people in the community who are asking for help."

Although today marks the radiothon's last day, Cosmo said it never really ends.

"It's turned into a year-round investment," he said. "It's not just these three days and then we pack up and we're off the air and we've raised a lot of money. We like to give back to our own community."

The total fundraising celebration at 6 p.m. today will reveal how much money this year's event raised. Executive Director for Advancement Laura Gajda said the amount raised as of Thursday afternoon is on pace to break last year's mark of $221,000.