By Bernie Kellman SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — On Wednesday night 30 kids were admitted to Golisano Children’s Hospital, but that did not stop the staff and volunteers at the hospital from getting up at 6 a.m. for a good cause.
On Thursday and Friday, local radio stations such as Y94 and 570 WSYR are partnering with Golisano Children’s Hospital to host the 16th Annual Radiothon to raise money for the children in their care. The director of development at Golisano, Toni Gary, said that the fundraisers like the radiothon are only made possible by the community members around the hospital.
“The radiothon is really critical because it’s the community coming together,” Gary said. “We’ll have probably 500 plus donors call in and make their donations and it’s a way for them to support their community as well.”
One community member who is supporting the radiothon this year is Ian Wheatly, the programming director at 570 WSYR Syracuse. Wheatly’s son has been receiving treatment at Golisano Hospital since he was just over one year old. Wheatly believes that it is imperative that people participate in fundraisers such as the radiothon in order to support the children at the hospital.
“If not for the events like the radiothon or some of the other fundraisers that we have to do for the children’s hospital, it wouldn’t be here,” Wheatly said. “So it’s up to us as parents, and grandparents, and members of this community to support this institution.”
One of the primary uses of the funds collected this week will be purchasing comfort items such as toys, games, books, and more. Wheatly believes that the comfort items are critical for the well-being of the kids in the Children’s Hospital.
“When kids are in the hospital all they want to be are kids,” said Wheatly. “They just want to have fun, they just want to play, and the donation is what allows them that opportunity.”
Alexa Glenny, 14, is a Golisano patient who has been battling a rare disease called Common Variable Immune Deficiency. She frequently is treated at Golisano and knows from experience how important these comfort items can be during treatment.
“I mean, it kind of makes you forget that you have an IV or a port in you,” said Glenny. “Anything like a coloring book to entertain you while you’re doing it, or watching a movie, or sitting in the chair to make you more comfortable, helps.”
Even a little bit of money can go a long way in getting kids the comfort items they need here at Upstate Medical. This year, the drive is hoping to bring in over $200,000, which would make it the largest in the 16-year history of the event.
