SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - A spirited showdown between physicians and nurses is returning to HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital as the annual Cares for Kids Radiothon kicks off two days of fundraising to support young patients and their families.
Broadcast partners 103.7 WDBR, 101.9 The WOLF, and WTAX 1240 AM/93.9 FM will go live from the hospital lobby Thursday, Nov. 20, and Friday, Nov. 21, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Volunteers will be stationed throughout the event to take donations over the phone.
Dr. Douglas Carlson, medical director of the children’s hospital, and Abigail Salzeider, nurse manager of the pediatric floor and PICU, are leading competing staff teams—doctors versus nurses—to see who can raise the most money for kids in care.
According tot he hospital, all funds raised will support a wide range of services and items, including lifesaving equipment, music therapy, patient transport wagons, baby swings, books, and the Child Life Program, which provides emotional and developmental support for children experiencing trauma or hospitalization.
“Every year, this event shows just how much our health care professionals and local residents care about our kids,” said Mary Rogers, Program Manager for Children’s Miracle Network at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital. “The competition may be playful, but the impact is real.”
The Radiothon is part of a much larger effort. Children’s Miracle Network, founded more than 40 years ago, includes 170 children’s hospitals across the U.S. and Canada.
The event will also highlight stories from former patients, including 10-year-old Jase Hendricks of Rochester, the 2025 CMN local champion. Hendricks survived life-threatening injuries following a 2022 crash and spent 15 days in a coma. He will join live interviews on all three stations from 7 to 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 21.
How to Donate:
- Call: 217-544-5437 (KIDS)
- Text: STJKIDS to 34984
- Venmo: @SJFoundation (available only in person at the hospital)
- Mail: Checks made out to Children’s Miracle Network
- Address: HSHS St. John’s Hospital, ATTN: Mary Rogers, 800 E. Carpenter St., Springfield, IL 62769
Online:
- Donate to the doctors’ team
- Donate to the nurses’ team
All funds stay local to support children receiving care at St. John’s Children’s Hospital.
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