Families came from Bogue Chitto, Fulton, Meridian, Laurel and other cities around the state to the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower last week with one goal in mind: to support of Children’s of Mississippi during the Mississippi Miracles Radiothon.
The 24th annual Mississippi Miracles Radiothon, held March 6-7, raised $328,641 to benefit Children’s of Mississippi.
During the two 12-hour days of broadcasting, patients and their families shared their medical journeys with on-air personalities from 13 New South Radio stations – U.S. 96.3, Y101, Mix 98.7, Rock 93.1, 93.5 The Legend and Blues 102.1 of Jackson, Vicksburg’s River 101, Khits 104.5 and Touch 92.7, and 97 OKK, 95.1 The Beat, Kiss 104 and Q 101 from Meridian.
“Every year, it is so moving to hear the stories of our patients and their families,” said Jen Hospodor, senior director of strategic partnerships at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. “The broadcasters, the many Miracle Giving Club members, donors and sponsors and their commitment to children’s health are also an inspiration. Their generosity brings children more comfort and care.”
Each gift is important, said Children’s of Mississippi patient Toby Owens, who received neonatal intensive care at the state’s only Level IV NICU, the highest level of care, after he was born at 25 weeks’ gestation.
“One donation can help many kids,” said Toby, 9, of Fulton.
Toby sees a neurologist for follow-up care at Children’s of Mississippi clinics in Jackson and Tupelo and enjoys playing soccer and basketball and going deer hunting.
“One of the most wonderful things in Mississippi is this hospital,” said Brandi Owens, Toby’s mom, during an on-air interview. “You don’t know what happens in a hospital until you personally experience it. It’s overwhelming to see how they care and give to the families here.”
Katie Moffett of Meridian had taken her daughter, Charlotte Irby, to see an orthopedic surgeon, thinking she had a knee injury from playing tennis and basketball. Instead, she was referred to Children’s of Mississippi, where she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.
“We were sent immediately to the emergency department, and an oncologist was there to meet us,” Moffett said. “They wasted no time.”
Charlotte, 15, rang the bell March 3, signifying the end of her chemotherapy, and is back on the tennis courts with a prosthetic leg.
“There are no words for the care and love the nurses and doctors have shown us,” Moffett said. “They truly took the time to get to know her and do their best for her.”
Lynleigh Grace Brown is now an energetic 4-year-old, showing no signs of having had open heart surgery twice for a congenital heart condition by the time she was 21 days old.
Children’s of Mississippi, her mom Jacquelyn Brown said, “felt like home. We knew every nurse’s name.”
For Sean Stewart of Laurel, whose son Ian is five years past chemotherapy for leukemia thanks to care from the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Mississippi, it was comforting “knowing everyone was working together to make Ian better.”
Broadcasters say Mississippi Miracles Radiothon is 24 hours of inspiration.
“Radiothon is about helping kids,” said Tyrone Davis, who has broadcast with Blues 102.1 for the fundraiser the past six years. “Year to year, we see the progress the children make, and most of them remember us and light up when they see us. Seeing how this hospital gives them the best chance of success warms my heart.”
Mississippi Miracles Radiothon “is like a reunion,” said Kim Allen of U.S. 96.3. “We get to catch up with the children and families who share their stories, which is a great testimony to the miracles that go on at Children’s of Mississippi.”
Nate West of U.S. 96.3 said Mississippi Miracles Radiothon is a must. “This is Mississippi’s only children’s hospital, and we’re a Mississippi-owned company. It means everything to us to be here.”
By Annie Oeth/UMMC Communications